It depends what type of bleed screw is fitted to your radiator. For radiators with a slotted bleed screw, a simple screwdriver represents an ideal alternative to a bleed key. Just insert the screwdriver into the slot and turn it in a counter-clockwise direction to bleed the radiator.
Is there another way to bleed a radiator?
Use your radiator key to turn the valve at the top of the radiator. Attach the key to the square groove in the centre of the valve as shown in the diagram and turn it slowly anticlockwise. You should hear a hissing sound. This is the trapped air escaping.
Do you bleed radiators until water stops?
Do you bleed a radiator until water stops? – You may be tempted to let all of the water out when bleeding your radiators but you shouldn’t. Devlin says, ‘No, you shouldn’t wait until the water stops. The radiator valve should be closed by turning the bleed key clockwise after the hissing has stopped or water has started to come out.’ Lead image: Rococo II 760mm 10 sections in Full Polish finish with wall stay, Chatsworth thermostatic valve, shrouds and base plates (all Satin Nickel), £955.20, Castrads
Are radiator bleed keys universal?
What is the different radiator bleed key sizes and types? – Radiators should be bled at least annually as part of routine maintenance in order to keep radiators working to their optimum performance. This is done simply by loosening a radiator’s bleed valve, which usually sits at the top corner of the appliance and allows the excess air to escape.
Aside from annual maintenance, you may also need to bleed your radiators to resolve any issues. If the performance of radiators seems limited or they develop cold patches, this may be caused by trapped air; so bleeding them can fix the problem. Although most radiator bleed valves are similar, they’re not all identical, so radiator bleed key sizes and shapes do vary.
Most hardware stores offer several types of radiator bleed keys so unless you have a very specialist model of radiator fitted, you should be able to find a compatible key fairly easily. There are 11 main different types of radiator keys, and each has a different purpose:
Radiator bleed key: To bleed trapped air from radiators Four-way key: To turn drain cocks or valves on/off when draining some radiators Three-legged key: To turn some kinds of drain valves on/off Double-ended key: To fit and remove radiator valve tails Hex or Allen key: To loosen, fix or remove radiator valve tails and plugs Radiator spanner: To fit or remove valve tails Universal key: To loosen, fit or remove valve tails, blanking plugs and bleed plugs, but sometimes with profiles to fit other parts and plugs too Combination radiator wrench: To fit or remove valve tails, blanking plugs and bleed plugs Stepped ratchet key: To fit or remove valve tails Radiator tail socket: To fit or remove valve tails Radiator valve spanner: To avoid bending pipework when radiator valves are being tightened or removed.
There are also multi-way keys with several profiles for different functions but because of all the variables at play with different shapes, sizes and types, there’s not yet any one tool to cover every eventuality; presumably, because there would have to be so many parts to the key! So, are radiator keys universal, or are they manufacturer or model specific? Unfortunately, there’s no one-size-fits-all.
Why is my radiator cold but doesn’t need bleeding?
Checking your TRV valves – The thermostatic radiator valve, also known as the TRV, can sometimes cause radiators to remain cold even if the heating system is on. The problem is usually caused by a stuck pin in the valve, and this is something that’s easy to check for without having to call in an engineer.
- To check whether there’s a stuck pin in your TRV valve, you’ll need to find the valve at the side of your radiator with the temperature dial on it, and remove the cap on it.
- The pin is housed beneath this cap and can be immediately seen once the cap is removed.
- If this pin is stuck in the shut position, then it’s likely that this is the cause of your cold radiator.
The stuck pin will stop the radiator from turning on even when the dial has been turned on, meaning the radiator remains off despite your best efforts to bring it back to life. Solving the problem is as simple as shifting this stuck pin, so it’s an easy fix.
Why do my radiators keep filling with air?
Low water pressure – In all likelihood, the most common cause of a radiator frequently filling with air on the regular is low water pressure. As detailed in our full guide, water should emerge from your radiators during the bleeding process – it would be wrong to assume the job is done once the hissing sound halts.
You should check the pressure on the system after bleeding if water does appear, with a reading in the region of,1 bar or moderately higher being the goal. If no water exits the radiator, that signifies an improper bleeding practice and provides an almost definite indication of a system lacking water pressure.
If so, you can rectify the issue by following the instructions detailed in our help guide to re-pressurise the boiler via the filling loop.
Where do you get a radiator key from?
See more Plumbing keys Home Right chevron Tools & equipment Right chevron Hand Tools Right chevron Screwdrivers & keys Right chevron Plumbing keys Right chevron Loading image Error loading image Sold & shipped by B&Q £ 3 Loading Checking availability.
Will a car radiator self bleed?
Will a cooling system bleed itself? Your coolant system can bleed some between the overflow tank and thermostat. However, to properly bleed, you need to fill the coolant and run the car with the radiator cap off.
Is it OK to bleed one radiator?
Why do you need to bleed a radiator? – Firstly, it’s good to establish why your radiators might need bleeding. It usually needs doing when air gets trapped in your central heating system, which can happen from time to time. The best way to test out if you have air in your system is by switching on your central heating to maximum and allowing your radiators to get to their full temperature.
Go round each radiator and carefully feel if there are any temperature differences across the surface of the radiator. If a radiator feels cool at the top and warm at the bottom, it probably has air trapped in the top of it and needs the air bleeding out of it. If it’s just one radiator that has these symptoms then you might be able to get away with just bleeding that radiator.
However, it’s best to bleed all the radiators in your home to ensure you release all the air and don’t have to repeat the job again for a while.
