How to Bleed a Radiator with Wickes

Learn how to bleed a radiator, and maintain the efficiency of your central heating system, with this step-by-step guide from one of our Wickes experts. Over time, air can seep into your central heating and bubble up to the top of your radiators, which reduces their efficiency. Fortunately, removing this trapped air can be an easy fix.
To check if you need to bleed your radiator, run your hands over it when the central heating is on (be careful not to burn your hands). If the radiator is cooler at the top than it is at the bottom, the chances are air has built up.

These are the steps to begin bleeding your radiator:

1. Switch your central heating off from the boiler and wait for your radiators to cool down to avoid scalding when bleeding them.
2. Find the release valve along the top edge of your radiator.
3. As this job can be a little messy, drape a cloth or towel between the radiator and wall to protect your paint work and on the floor beneath to protect your carpet. Also use a small bowl to collect any water that might leak out.
4. Place a radiator key into the release valve and carefully twist it one or two turns anticlockwise to open the valve.
5. Once all the air is released, water will begin to ooze or spray out. Twist the key clockwise to close the valve.

You have now released all of the air from your radiator and the job is complete.

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Watch more videos from our Home Improvement & Small Fixes list and learn how to fix a kitchen tap, hang an interior door, or bleed a radiator!

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