How to Remove Air From Heat Pipes

Bleeding a radiator is an easy task to perform.

Often, in a home, air can become trapped within the pipes that transport hot water around the property to heat it. This air can reside within the radiator heaters; symptoms of this include a radiator that is hot at the top but cold at the bottom, or cold altogether even when the heat is on. Fortunately, releasing the air from the hot water pipes through the radiator is a simple task, and one that requires minimal preparation.

Things You'll Need

• Radiator bleed key
• Tissue paper

Instructions

1. Turn off the central heating system, ensuring that there is still warm water in the pipes and radiator so you can check that bleeding the system has been successful.

2. Fit a radiator bleed key onto the bleed valve, usually found at one end of the radiator at the top.

3. Wrap your tissue paper around the valve to catch any escaping water, which can exit quickly and take you by surprise.

4. Turn the key half a turn counterclockwise to open the valve. You should be able to hear the trapped air hissing as it escapes.

5. Close the valve by turning the key clockwise until it is tight. Touch the radiator to ensure the bleeding has worked.

6. Repeat Steps 2 to 5 for all other radiators on the property. You can now turn the central heating system on again.

Tips & Warnings

• A flat head screwdriver can be used to open the valve if you do not have a bleed key.

References

• Diydata: Air in a Water Central Heating System
• British Gas Homecare: Radiator Bleeding