How to Bleed a Radiator & Top Up The Boiler Pressure

How to Bleed a Radiator & Top Up The Boiler Pressure

The Comprehensive Guide to Bleeding a Radiator and Topping Up Pressure

Introduction

 One of the most common issues that can affect your heating system's performance is air trapped in your radiators, also known as radiator airlocks. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process of bleeding a radiator and topping up the pressure, simple yet crucial maintenance tasks that can improve your heating system's performance and save you money on your heating bills.

Understanding Radiator Airlocks

Air can get trapped inside your radiator as you use your heating system, preventing heat from being distributed evenly and efficiently. This is a natural part of running a radiator and an inevitable part of maintaining it. When you bleed a radiator, you release this trapped air, allowing heat to circulate around the radiator properly. 

Identifying the Need to Bleed a Radiator

You'll need to bleed a radiator when it isn't working efficiently. This can be identified by feeling for cold spots on your radiator, particularly towards the top of the radiator. If your radiator isn't distributing heat evenly and you can feel some cold spots, it's likely that there's air trapped inside. Usually it will be your top radiators, that will be affected, at the highest point of your system, for example if you have a ladder towel rail. 

What You'll Need to bleed a radiator 

  • A PlumbShark bleed key
  • A cloth or small towel
  • A container to catch any drips

Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Turn On Your Central Heating: This will help you locate the radiators that need bleeding.

  2. Feel All the Radiators in Your Home: This will help you identify which radiators need bleeding. Feel for cold spots and listen out for any weird gurgling sounds.

  3. Switch Off the Heating and Wait for the Radiators to Cool Completely: This is a crucial safety step. Never attempt to bleed a hot radiator.

  4. Locate the Bleed Valve: This is usually found at the top side of your radiator. It's where you'll insert the PlumbShark bleed key.

  5. Prepare to Catch Drips: Place your cloth or towel under the bleed valve to catch any water that might escape, and have your container ready.

  6. Bleed the Radiator: Insert the PlumbShark bleed key into the bleed valve and slowly turn it anti-clockwise. You should hear a hissing sound - this is the trapped air escaping.

  7. Close the Valve: Once water starts to leak out, this indicates that all the air has been released. At this point, you should close the valve by turning the PlumbShark key clockwise.

  8. Turn On the Heating Again: Once you’ve bled your radiator, simply turn the heating back on and enjoy the warmth!

Topping Up Pressure After Bleeding a Radiator

After bleeding a radiator, it's essential to check the pressure of your boiler, especially if you have a sealed system. The pressure of your boiler should always be somewhere between 1 and 2 bar. If the pressure is below 1 bar, you might have lost water from the system, and this will need to be replaced.

How to Increase Boiler Pressure

If your boiler pressure is low after bleeding a radiator, you can increase it by following these steps:

  1. Switch Off Your Boiler and Allow It to Cool: This is a crucial safety step. Never attempt to adjust the pressure of a hot boiler.

  2. Check the Filling Loop: This is a flexible hose with a valve at each end, and it's used to connect your boiler to the cold-water pipe. Ensure that both ends of the filling loop are securely attached.

  3. Open Both Valves: This allows cold mains water into the system. You should hear water filling the system.

  4. Monitor the Pressure Gauge: Wait for the pressure gauge to reach 1 to 1.5 bar.

  5. Close Both Valves: Once the desired pressure is reached, close both valves, one after the other.

  6. Switch the Boiler Back On: If needed, press the reset button.

  7. Remove the Filling Loop: Undo both ends of the filling loop and remove it. Be careful to catch any water spillage and keep the filling loop in a safe place.

Introducing the PlumbShark Tool

When it comes to bleeding a radiator, the tool you use can make a significant difference. That's why we recommend using the PlumbShark bleed key. This tool is designed to fit most radiator bleeds better than traditional bleed keys, making it easier to use and ensuring a more efficient bleeding process.

The PlumbShark bleed key is a must-have for any homeowner looking to maintain their heating system. Its user-friendly design makes it easy for anyone to bleed their radiators, even if they've never done it before.

Remember, if you're unsure or uncomfortable performing these tasks, it's always best to call a professional. At Heatlab, we're committed to ensuring your home stays warm and comfortable. For more tips and advice, stay tuned to our blog.

 

Conclusion

Bleeding your radiators and topping up your boiler pressure are simple tasks that can significantly improve the efficiency of your heating system and save you money on your heating bills. With the PlumbShark bleed key, these tasks become even easier. However, if you're unsure or uncomfortable performing these tasks, it's always best to call a professional. At Heatlab, we're committed to ensuring your home stays warm and comfortable. For more tips and advice, stay tuned to our blog.

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