How to Bleed a Radiator & Improve Your Central Heating

Over time and with increasing use, air can build up within your radiators. What does this mean for your central heating system? Air build up can cause radiators to work inefficiently, producing unwanted gurgling sounds and leading to tops of radiators becoming cold.

Improve the efficiency of your radiators

In the winter months, you want your central heating system to be working as effectively as possible, so you don’t feel the chill. Therefore, if you are experiencing any of the above problems with your radiators, you will need to bleed your radiator which is a relatively straight forward process. In this step-by-step guide, we show you how to troubleshoot any issues you may have which will fix unusual sounds and allow radiator tops to be warm again.

A step-by-step guide on how to bleed a radiator

Before you start there are two pieces of equipment you will need:

  • A bleeding key; this can be bought from most hardware storesimage of bleeding key
  • A piece of old rag or tissue image of a piece of rag

 

Five simple steps to bleed your radiator

The video below from the Worcester Bosch Group explains the five simple steps to bleed your radiator. They are as follows:

  1. Firstly, turn your central heating system off and allow your radiator adequate time to cool down.
  2. Next, carefully put your piece of tissue or rag underneath the bleed valve.step-two-bleeding-a-radiator
  3. Thirdly, put your key into the bleed valve with the tissue underneath.
  4. Turn the key until you can hear a hissing sound. The hissing sound is the air escaping. Keep the key open until you see water coming out of the valve. Let the water drip for a couple of seconds and catch any drops on the rag.step4-bleeding-radiator-twist-the-key
  5. Repeat Steps 1 to 4 for all radiators in the property that are affected.

 

Problem not solved? Central Heating Repair

If you have followed the above steps and the issues with your radiator have not been resolved, you may need to have your central system looked at by a professional. Likewise, if you are having to bleed your radiator at frequent times throughout the year, there is likely to be a deeper problem with your central heating system that needs checking.

Contact Buxton Heating if you have any queries or find out more about our boiler servicing.