How to bleed a bathroom radiator? A simple guide for everyone!

If your bathroom radiator has stopped working as it should and the bathroom is no longer cosily warm, it may be time to bleed it. Don’t worry, it’s not a complicated task! In this article, we’ll show you how to bleed a bathroom radiator to keep you comfortable and save money on your heating bills.

Why bleeding a bathroom radiator is important

Do you feel your bathroom radiator isn’t heating as it should? Or perhaps you can hear odd gurgling? That’s a sign it’s airlocked! Air trapped in the radiator stops it working efficiently, significantly lowering the temperature in the bathroom. What’s more, an airlocked radiator uses more energy, leading to much higher bills. By bleeding the radiator, you’ll stay comfortable and save money!

Preparation for bleeding a radiator – what you need to remember?

Before you start, prepare a few things:

• a key suited to the type of valve on your radiator;
• a bowl to catch the water;
• a cloth, which may come in handy to wipe up any water dripping onto the floor.

Also remember safety: before you start, switch off the heating system! The water in the radiator can be really hot, so be sure to let it cool to avoid burns.

How to bleed a bathroom radiator? Step-by-step instructions

How do you bleed a ladder-style bathroom radiator? How do you bleed an old cast-iron radiator? The procedure is virtually the same. Bleeding a bathroom radiator is straightforward, so with the right preparation you can do it yourself without much trouble. Below you’ll find simple steps to help you tackle the task.

Step 1: Turn off the heating

Before you start bleeding the radiators, make sure the heating system is definitely switched off. When radiators are hot, the air and water can be under high pressure, which makes bleeding risky.

Step 2: Locate the bleed valve

Every radiator has a bleed valve — usually at the top of the radiator, on the side. It’s a small component that looks like a screw. Don’t worry, it’s easy to find!

Step 3: Open the valve

Place a bowl beneath the radiator at the height of the valve to catch any water that may escape. Now gently open it using the key you’ve prepared. You’ll hear a hissing sound – that’s the air coming out of the radiator. Let it escape. As soon as water starts to trickle, close the valve. That means the radiator has been bled.

Step 4: Close the valve

Make sure the valve is tightly closed. It should be firmly shut so water doesn’t drip.

What to do after bleeding the radiator?

After bleeding the radiator, switch the heating system back on and make sure the radiator heats up evenly. If you notice it still isn’t heating as it should, it’s worth checking the pressure in the heating system. That may be the issue and you might need to top up the water. And of course, don’t forget to empty the bowl and wipe the floor so it’s not slippery and doesn’t pose a risk of slipping.

Do you think your radiator is still inefficient? Check out: How to clean a radiator from the inside? Effective methods and practical tips.

How often should you bleed radiators?

Bleeding radiators is essential if you want to keep your heating system in top condition. It should be done regularly, especially in the following situations:

• the start of the heating season: it’s recommended to bleed radiators before the heating season begins, usually in autumn. Air may have entered the system during the summer downtime, so it’s worth ensuring water circulates properly throughout the system.
• when radiators heat unevenly: if you notice one part of a radiator is warmer than another, it’s a sign there’s probably an airlock blocking the flow of heat. In that case, it’s worth bleeding the radiator promptly.
• when you hear gurgling or noises: air trapped in the radiator can cause noises, gurgling or other sounds. These are clear signs that bleeding is needed.
• after any system upgrade: if the installation has been modified, e.g. parts of the heating system were replaced or new radiators added, this introduces air into the system that needs to be removed.

Bleeding radiators is usually done once or twice a year, but it’s worth staying alert to any signs of issues. The sooner you react, the better your chances of efficient heating and avoiding unnecessary energy use.

Summary

Bleeding radiators is a simple task that can significantly improve thermal comfort in your bathroom and lower your heating bills. It won’t take you more than a few minutes, and you’ll benefit from better performance and heating efficiency. Remember to check your radiators regularly and don’t delay bleeding them as soon as you notice signs of trapped air!