If your radiator ever feels cold at the top and warm at the bottom then it is more than likely that your problem is being caused by air that has been trapped in your radiator. Luckily, you should be able to repair the issue yourself by bleeding your radiator. Another option for you is to call out a plumbing and heating engineer. However bleeding a radiator is a fairly simple, safe and quick process if it is done the correct way. Ultimately it just means opening a tiny valve on the top of your radiator to allow any trapped air to escape. Just follow the simple instructions below for a fast and lasting fix:
Prior to bleeding your radiator, it is essential you turn off your central heating at the main controls. This will avoid any more air from entering the heating system. Locate the bleed valve; this typically has a small red coloured handle and should be found on one side of the radiator when it was purchased.
Put a cloth or a medium sized bowl underneath the bleed valve to catch any leaking water. Cover your hand with a cloth to shield your hand as any water that escapes from your radiator could be very hot. Your radiators should have been supplied with a small bleed key (or radiator key). In case you cannot locate the bleed key you should be able to purchase a replacement from your local DIY store.
First you will need to find the bleed valve, this will be a protrusion at the top of one side of the radiator. To bleed your radiator, place the bleed key onto the valve and carefully turn it anticlockwise (usually a quarter to half a turn should do the trick). The air trapped in your radiator will start escaping with a hissing sound. At this stage you may have to switch on your heating for a short period to keep the pressure up in the system. When you are bleeding your system you also have to keep an eye on your water pressure level. When water begins to dribble out of the valve this is how you know that all of the air has been purged from the radiator.
As soon as water starts to dribble out of the valve you should tighten the valve back to it's original position. Go to your main control panel and check your water pressure leve. This level needs to be set at manufacturers levels. Use a cloth to clean up any spills (at this point be cautious as the water can be scalding hot). Don't forget to switch the central heating back on when you've finished bleeding the radiator. Check on your radiator after a few hours to make sure the radiator has a consistent temperature all over it's surface area and that there is no more water leaking out of your bleed valve. Hopefully this will mean that your problem is solved!
Remember, if you're ever in doubt of your DIY abilities, then it is best to call in a plumbing and heating engineer to fix the problem for you.
Author Resource:-
I always call a plumbing and heating services team when I have problems with my heating. Once you get to know them they are pretty reasonable with their charges.
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