Bleeding a radiator: A step by step guide

Materials:

  • Radiator key (or flathead screwdriver)
  • Old cloth or towel

Steps:

  1. Turn off your central heating system.
  2. Locate the bleed valve on the radiator. It is typically located at the top of the radiator, near the valve that controls the flow of water.
  3. Place the old cloth or towel under the bleed valve to catch any water that may drip out.
  4. Insert the radiator key into the bleed valve and turn it counter clockwise until you hear a hissing sound. This is the air escaping from the radiator.
  5. Continue turning the radiator key until no more air comes out and only water is dripping.
  6. Tighten the bleed valve by turning it clockwise.
  7. Turn on your central heating system and check to make sure that the radiator is heating up properly.

If you don't have a radiator key, you can use a flathead screwdriver instead. Just insert the screwdriver into the notch in the bleed valve and turn it counter clockwise.

It is important to bleed all of the radiators in your home, as this will help to ensure that they are heating up properly. You should bleed your radiators at least once a year, or more often if you live in an area with hard water.

Here are some additional tips for bleeding a radiator:

  • If the radiator is very cold, you may need to wait a few minutes for the water to warm up before you can start bleeding it.
  • If no air comes out of the bleed valve, it may be blocked. You can try cleaning the valve with a wire brush or needle.
  • If you accidentally bleed too much water from the radiator, you can top it up by turning the inlet valve on the radiator clockwise.

I hope this helps!