Bleeding A Radiator Or Convector
If a hot-water radiator or convector isn’t heating properly even with its valve fully open, the problem may be air trapped inside. The solution is to vent, or bleed the air out. To bleed a unit the boiler must be operating. Turn up the thermostat if necessary. The bleeder valve on a radiator is opposite the inlet valve and near the top. On a convector, it is on a return pipe under the top. Using ascrewdriver , open the valve carefully and slowly. Let the hot water flow into a cup until it stops sputtering. Then close the valve. Some bleeder valves require a key, sold in hardware stores. As a general rule, hot-water radiators orconvectors should be bled once a year. The unit farthest from the boiler tends to collect the most air and may require more frequent attention. Bleed the whole system at the start of the heating season or whenever it has been off for a long time. To do this start on the top floor at the radiator farthest from the boiler and work down finishing with the one nearest boiler. Instead of a bleeder valve, some convectors have an automatic vent valve that slowly releases air the system fills with water. Keep an automatic valve clean. If it drips, replace it.
You can exchange bulky radiators for trim based convectors. Both units provide the same amount of heat. Though convectors take up less room, remember that you should not block them with furniture. A heating contractor can give you a cost estimate.
I have bled our radiators several times since owning our house. For some reason, the radiators on the top floorno longer have any air or water coming out of them. Can you tell me why this would happen? Could it be because its not cold enough outside for the heating system to be operating? (Its in the 50s outside.) Or could something be clogged in the lines? Any help you can give would be great. Thanks.
Comment by W Byers :: April 18, 2010I had a new steam boiler installed last year. The 2 radiators furthest from the boiler 1 upstairs and 1 downstairs right below it get extremely hot while the rest of the radiators in the house are either cold or barely warm. I have observed rust in the water level window at the boiler and wonder if these old radiators are full of sediment? I paid $5700 for this system last year and am concerned about how much more money this is going to cost!
Comment by Pepper :: October 20, 2010pipe get rusted overtime and it gets to the system. have it drain and flushed til clear water drains. it may take several attemps to do this. refill anf bleed the system as usual.
Comment by neil :: April 14, 2011