How do you bleed an air radiator?

Here's how to bleed an air radiator to remove trapped air and ensure efficient heating:

Step-by-Step Guide to Bleeding a Radiator

Bleeding a radiator is a straightforward process that helps remove trapped air, which can prevent it from heating properly. Follow these steps to ensure your radiator is working efficiently:

1. Turn Off the Heat: Before starting, turn off your heating system completely and let the radiators cool down. This is the first and most crucial step according to the provided reference.
2. Prepare the Area: Gather the necessary supplies. You'll need a radiator key (often a small, square metal tool) or a flathead screwdriver depending on the bleed valve type, a cloth, and a container to catch any water that might escape.
3. Locate the Bleed Valve: Find the bleed valve on your radiator. It's usually located at the top, on one side of the radiator. The valve might be a small square peg or a small screw.
4. Open the Radiator Valves: Ensure the valves at both ends of the radiator are fully open.
5. Open the Bleed Valve: Carefully insert the radiator key or screwdriver into the bleed valve. Slowly turn it counterclockwise until you hear a hissing sound, which indicates that air is escaping. Be prepared for water to start spitting out.
   • Tip: Hold the cloth and container under the valve to catch any water.
6. Close the Bleed Valve: Once water starts flowing steadily and the hissing stops (or water only is coming out) that means the trapped air has been released, close the bleed valve by turning it clockwise. Don't overtighten.
7. Repeat for Each Radiator: Repeat the process for each radiator in your home, starting with the ones closest to the boiler and ending with the ones furthest away. This is crucial to ensure the entire system is free of air as indicated in the provided reference.
8. Check Pressure Level of Boiler: After bleeding all radiators, check the pressure gauge on your boiler. If the pressure is too low, you may need to add water to the system as per your boiler's instructions as it might indicate a pressure drop following the bleeding.
9. Turn on Heat and Test the System: Turn your heating system back on and check if all radiators are heating evenly. If some radiators are still cold or partially heated, you may need to repeat the bleeding process.

Step	Action
1	Turn off the heat.
2	Prepare the area.
3	Open the radiator valves.
4	Open the bleed valve and release air.
5	Close the bleed valve once water flows.
6	Repeat for each radiator.
7	Check boiler pressure.
8	Turn the heat back on and test.

Following these steps will help you effectively remove air from your radiators, ensuring they work efficiently and provide the warmth you need.