A Guide to Bleeding Your Radiators

A Guide to Bleeding Your Radiators 

Bleeding a radiator is the process of removing any excess or trapped air within the system. Air rises and becomes stuck, meaning the hot water can only reach halfway up the radiator, resulting in cold spots. Bleeding your radiators can improve the efficiency of your heating system and make your home warmer. 

Signs Your Radiator Needs Bleeding: 

Cold Patches: If the top of your radiator is cold while the bottom is warm, air is likely trapped in the radiator. 

Noises: Gurgling, hissing, bubbling, creaking, or banging noises from your radiator could indicate trapped air. 

It’s making noises: If your radiator takes longer than usual to heat up, it might need bleeding. 

Declined performance: If your radiators have been performing poorly over time, they might need bleeding. 

How to Bleed a Radiator: 

1. Turn your heating off and allow time for it to cool down.
2. Take a towel and something to collect the water in and place both underneath the bleed valve on the radiator.
3. Insert the bleed key and turn it slowly, anti-clockwise.
4. Air will escape, and you will hear a hissing noise. Close the valve when water starts to come out. 
5. Repeat on all the radiators in your home.
6. Turn your heating back on and check the radiators are heating up properly. 

If you bleed a radiator and have no sign of improvement, it may need replacing. 

If any issues persist, contact UKBC for help or call 0800 43 46 494.