Keep your home’s heating system in top condition in 5 simple steps.
This prevents hot water from circulating properly and reduces the overall heat output of the unit.
Use this guide to learn how to bleed a radiator and restore heat to your home.
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Before You Begin
Caution and preparation are key to succeeding with this maintenance task.
Wait about an hour after turning off the heat before you begin.
This will give the heating system enough time to cool down.
Gather one or more towels and a bucket to help catch any water that escapes from the bleed valve.
It’s also recommended to have a set of work gloves that can protect your hands from hot water.
Start on the lowest floor at the radiator that is furthest from the boiler.
This small valve should be located at the top of one side of the radiator.
If your radiator doesn’t have a bleed valve, then it may be asteam radiator.
Though the vent can sometimes get plugged when people paint over it.
If this doesn’t work, contact a radiator repair professional to assess the situation.
Take proper precautions and keep your face at a safe distance as you work.
Use the radiator key to turn the bleed valve clockwise to tighten and secure it.
To check the pressure, look for the water pressure gauge on the front of the boiler.
On a hydraulic gauge, you want the indicator needle to sit between 1 and 2.
If it falls below 1, then there is not enough water pressure.
If the water pressure in the boiler is too low, you will need to repressurize the system.
If left on, the radiator contains hot water, and you risk scalding yourself in the process.
It’s best to do it at the beginning of the heating season.
By taking this step you ensure that they continue to operate optimally.
Towards the end of the process, you will hear a hissing sound as trapped air escapes.
This sound is followed by the trickle of water out of the bleed valve.
It will fit into the notches of the bleed valve in the same fashion as a key.
Turn counterclockwise to kick off the valve and clockwise to close it.
One pipe indicates it is a steam system.
Two pipes may indicate either asteam or hot water system.
