- Cold radiator at the height of the heating season? It’s probably clogged with air, but venting it is easier than you think.
- All you need is a screwdriver or special wrench, a container of water and a few simple steps to restore the heat.
- Find out how to bleed the radiator step by step and what to do to avoid problems in the future!
When the radiator is filled with air, it heats less and sometimes heats up unevenly. Sometimes there are gurgling sounds. To bleed air easily, you need to prepare properly. This is not a complicated operation, but you will need a flat screwdriver (screwdriver) or a special key for bleeding the radiator. A bowl, glass or any water container will also be useful. Before we start working, we also need to turn off the valve. It is also worth increasing the pressure in the installation (up to a maximum of 1.4 atm), thanks to which the water will displace the air from the radiator.
Cold radiator? Try bleeding the radiator
When the radiator is properly prepared, we start bleeding the radiator. First, place a water container under the vent (the knob located in the upper or lower part) to which the fluid from the installation will drain. Then, using a screwdriver or a wrench, gently unscrew the breather screw. Air and water will start coming out of the radiator. When the pressure drops and the liquid flows out in a smooth stream, you can close the radiator vent screw. After making sure that nothing is leaking from it, we unscrew the valve again so that water can flow to the radiator (we add water gradually until it reaches 0.9 to 1.2 atm). Set the thermostat knob to the maximum position and wait a few minutes. If the cause of a cold radiator was air in it, the radiator will quickly become warm.
Some modern heating systems use automatic air vents that remove accumulated air on their own, eliminating the need for manual intervention. It is worth checking whether your system is equipped with them. If so, check them regularly to make sure they are not blocked. Also remember that after bleeding several radiators in the system, it is worth checking the pressure in the installation again and replenishing it if necessary.
How to clean the inside of a radiator? A way without disassembling the radiator
Even painted radiators may be damaged over time, and water containing chemicals getting inside may lead to corrosion, damage to the protective coating and, consequently, to leaks. Regular vacuuming and using compressed air are the safest and most effective methods of keeping radiators clean. For cleaning, you can use special radiator brushes which, thanks to their flexible design, reach hard-to-reach corners. They are available in most household goods stores. Another method is to use a steamer – a stream of hot steam under pressure will effectively soften and remove dust and dirt, which can then be easily removed with a cloth. However, remember to make sure the heater is cold before using the steamer.
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