What you'll need
Bleeding a radiator takes a few minutes and very little kit:
- A radiator bleed key (or a flat screwdriver for some valves)
- An old cloth or towel to catch drips
- A small container
Bleeding the radiator
Turn the heating off and let the radiators cool, as the water inside can be very hot. Find the bleed valve at the top corner of the radiator, hold the cloth beneath it and turn the key slowly anticlockwise – about a quarter turn is usually enough.
You'll hear air hissing out. When water starts to appear, close the valve again. Don't open it fully or force it.
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Afterwards
Turn the heating back on and check the radiator heats evenly. On a sealed system – most combi and system boilers – releasing air lowers the pressure, so check the gauge on the boiler and top it up if needed, following the manufacturer's instructions.
