Bleed radiators

Why would you need to bleed a radiator? You will need to bleed your radiators if you find that some of your radiators are warm at the bottom but cold at the top. This is due to air in the system, which stops the hot water from reaching the top of the radiator.

Fortunately it is easy to bleed a radiator. Depending on what type of radiators you have, you will either need a brass radiator key (illustration?) or a flat head screwdriver. The bleed valve is usually at one end of the radiator.

It is recommended that you run your central heating first to ensure that you have hot water in the radiators, then switch off the central heating system.

To bleed a radiator:

• Fit the bleed key into the bleed valve
• Use a kitchen towel or a cloth to catch any drips
• Open the bleed valve by turning it a ?-turn anti clockwise - you will hear a hissing of air being expelled if there is any air in the radiator.
• As soon as water starts to come out of the valve, close it by turning the key a 1/2 turn clockwise.
• Be sure not to over tighten.
• Do this for all radiators in the system.

If your central heating system is a sealed system, check the pressure and top up if necessary.