Bleeding a radiator or towel rail sounds daunting, but it is actually a really simple and necessary step in ensuring you are getting the maximum performance from your heating products.
What does ‘Bleeding’ mean?
Bleeding is the process of getting rid of any air that has accumulated at the top of the towel rail. This air stops water circulating through all parts of the towel rail.
This means that the overall efficiency of the central heating system is therefore reduced and can cost you more. Bleeding the towel rail or radiator involves opening a small valve and allowing any trapped air to be expelled.
How Do I Know If I Need To Bleed My Towel Rail Or Radiator?
You may notice that the towel rail is not heating up, specifically, the top rungs of the rail are colder than the bottom ones. You may also hear knocking or tinkling through your pipes and radiators. This is usually caused by trapped air and bleeding will normally solve this.
If the issues aren’t rectified by bleeding your heated towel rail then you may need to contact a professional to diagnose the problem.
How Often Should I Bleed My Radiator?
For a well-maintained heating system, annual bleeds are fine. It is also advisable to bleed a heated towel rail after any modifications, repairs or when the towel rail feels colder at the top.
If you find you are bleeding your towel rail continually, please contact a professional.
How Do I Bleed My Radiator Properly?
To bleed a heated towel rail or radiator, you will need a few tools:
A radiator key
A rag
A towel
- Firstly, turn off the central heating as otherwise you may soak air back into the system.
- Allow the water inside the towel radiator to cool down for around 20 minutes to ensure you do not run the risk of scalding yourself.
- Ensure the lock-shield and thermostatic radiator valves (TRV’s) are open, if present. To open, remove the caps and open them fully anti-clockwise using a spanner or a hex (Allen) key.
- Find the bleed valve. It tends to be at the top of the towel rail or radiator but is sometimes at the back. The screws are generally hexagonal or square. Also, many of them have a slot across the front so you can use a slotted screwdriver, if a radiator key isn’t available.
- Get your towel or rag and place it on the floor underneath the bleed valve. Using your radiator key turn the bleed nipple anti-clockwise. You should now hear a hissing noise. This is the steam and air leaving the radiator.
- Once the air has left the towel radiator, bubbling water will follow so catch it in a rag and turn the bleed nipple back and close. If the air stops coming out of the radiator but no water follows, your heated towel radiator has most likely run out of pressure completely so this will need to be topped up using the filling loop. Check the water pressure gauge on the boiler and follow the user instructions for your specific boiler to top up the pressure.
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