Property advice: ‘How exactly do I bleed my radiators?’

Following our recent social media posts showing off our branded radiator keys, a number of you have been asking ‘How exactly do I bleed my radiators?’ With this in mind, our super helpful, trainee estate agent Paige has written a few steps to help you out.

84% of UK households have gas central heating, making radiator maintenance an essential job for most of us. But while the task is simple enough to carry out, it’s one we often overlook.

Knowing how to bleed a radiator can make your heating more energy efficient, keep your boiler in peak condition and it will save you money on gas heating costs. With a basic knowledge, and the help of a new Wishart Estate Agent radiator key, you can prevent a number of problems, such as leaks and dreaded boiler damage.

When should you bleed a radiator?

If a radiator isn’t heating up, or is cool at the top and hot at the bottom then you will need to bleed it. This is because air bubbles in the gas central heating system rise, meaning you'll find that the air bubbles collect at the top of radiators and steadily gather.

How to bleed a radiator:

1. Start by turning the central heating off, preventing boiling water spraying over you.

1. Gather your tools:

• A dry cloth, such as a tea towel
• A bowl to catch the water in
• The all new Wishart Estate Agent radiator key!

1. Find the square bleed screw at the top corner of your radiator, and place the bowl or tray directly underneath it, at the base of the radiator to catch any water.

1. Next, place your Wishart Estate Agent radiator key over the bleed screw, cover it with a cloth and slowly turn the key anti-clockwise for about half a turn. As the air releases, you'll hear a hissing sound. At this point, hold the cloth close to the screw to prevent water dripping or spitting.

1. Once air stops hissing and water begins to trickle out steadily tighten the screw again.  You need to be careful not to over-tighten and damage the valve. Don’t forget to wipe down the radiator to prevent leaving any moisture, which could cause rust.

Switch the heating on again and check the boiler pressure. If it's below the optimal level, you may need to boost it by using the filling loop on your boiler. This is usually a tap or lever on the main water supply to your boiler. Finally, check that all the radiators are heating evenly and that none of the bleed valves are leaking, and place your Wishart Estate Agents radiator key onto a magnetic surface leaving it ready to assist you again in the future!

Don’t forget to take a selfie with your Wishart Estate Agents radiator key and post it to social media with a link to this post. Not only will you look super cool #adulting your way through the winter months, but you could save your friends a small fortune in boiler repairs when they follow your lead.

Boilers can be dangerous. If you have any concerns please contact a Gas Safe Engineer.