How to Bleed a Heating Radiator
Does banging in the pipes sound like someone's running a sledge hammer? Try this easy do-it-yourself fix.
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You Will Need
- A radiator
- A towel
- A bleed key
Steps
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Step 1
Turn off the heat
Turn off the heat and wait until the radiator cools.
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Step 2
Locate the valve
Locate the bleed valve. It is a circular valve with a square protrusion from its center.
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Step 3
Hold towel
Hold the towel beneath the valve to catch any water that leaks out.
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Step 4
Insert and turn
Insert the bleed key and turn it one-quarter turn counter-clockwise. When you hear the hissing of released air, you have successfully opened the valve.
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Step 5
Close valve
Turn the valve one-quarter turn clockwise once the hissing has ceased and the first drop of water exits the valve.
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Step 6
Turn on heat
Turn the heat back on and listen to hear if the noise in the pipes has dissipated.
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Bleed your radiator every six months as preventative maintenance.
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Step 7
Contact a professional
Contact a professional heating expert if problems persist.
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Did you know? Doris Day sang the song "Steam Heat" in the 1957 movie version of The Pajama Game.
