Now that we are in the middle of winter it is important to ensure your radiators are heating up properly, and there is one quick job you can do to make sure you keep warm.
If your radiators are not heating up as fast as they should be or feel cold at the top then there is likely too much air stuck inside, and it can be fixed easily without having to call a plumber.
Brionna Farney, an expert from Angi, has shared that if your radiator is not working properly then consider bleeding it, which is simply letting out excess water or air.
She said: “If a radiator is still not working after turning on the control valve, it may need bleeding. Bleeding a radiator means letting out any trapped air or clogged water.”
All you need to do is first turn off your heating and find the bleed valve on your radiator, which is usually located in the top corner and looks like a small square pin inside a round fitting.
Next, you will need to insert a radiator key into the bleed valve, but if you do not own one then you can use a flathead screwdriver instead.
Brionna said: “If you don’t have a radiator key, you can pick one up at a local hardware store or online. Sometimes, needle-nose pliers can turn the valve, or a flathead screwdriver might fit into a slot at the top of the valve.”
Place a towel around your radiator where the valve is, and make sure to place a mug or small bucket underneath the valve as some water may come out.
Use your radiator key or screwdriver to slowly turn the valve counterclockwise half a turn, and you will begin to hear some noises as the trapped air and water escapes.
Be careful not to open the valve too much as only a slight turn is needed.
Brionna said: “As you open the valve, you’ll hear a hissing noise as air escapes from the radiator and water fills the space within the system.
“Once the hissing stops and a steady stream of water starts coming out of the valve, it’s time to close it in the next step.”
Hold a mug or bucket to catch any water that might come out as the air is released, and use the towel to wipe away any water on the radiator.
Once the hissing stops and a steady stream of water is coming out the radiator, then close the valve by turning it clockwise.
Turn the heating back on and your radiator should now be heating up properly so you stay nice and toasty this winter.
After bleeding a radiator your boiler pressure may drop so make sure to check the boiler pressure gauge – which should be between one and two bars.
If your radiator is still not working then consider cleaning it to make sure dust is not clogging it up, as too much debris can affect how effectively it can heat up your home.
