If your radiators are struggling to warm up properly or feel cold at the top, there is a good chance they need bleeding. It’s a simple job that takes just a few minutes — and this small maintenance task can make a big difference to your heating system's performance.
At Radiator Village, we want your radiators running at their best. Here’s a clear, no-fuss guide on how to bleed your radiator the right way.
Why Bleeding Your Radiator Matters
Over time, air can get trapped inside your single radiators or double radiators, stopping hot water from circulating properly. This causes your heating to become less effective and can increase your energy bills. Bleeding the radiator removes trapped air, allowing it to fill completely with hot water and heat the room more efficiently.
Signs your radiator may need bleeding include:
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Cold patches at the top.
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Gurgling or bubbling noises.
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Slower warm-up times.
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Uneven heating across your home.
If any of these sound familiar, it’s time to give your radiators some attention.
What You Will Need
You’ll need your radiator, a bleed key or a Flathead screwdriver, a cloth or small towel, and a bowl or container to catch any water. Bleeding keys are inexpensive and available at most DIY stores. You can also keep one handy in your radiator's installation kit.
Step-by-Step: How to Bleed a Radiator
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Turn off the heating before you begin. Make sure the radiators are completely cool to avoid hot water spraying out.
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Locate your radiator’s bleed valve — usually at the top corner, a small round valve with a square centre where the bleed key fits.
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Place a towel and bowl under the valve to catch any drips and protect your floor.
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Insert the bleed key and turn it slowly anti-clockwise. After about 1/4 turn, you’ll hear a hissing sound — that’s trapped air escaping.
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Wait for water to flow freely. Once the hissing stops and water flows, tighten the valve by turning clockwise, but don’t over-tighten.
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Check your boiler pressure after bleeding all necessary radiators. If the pressure has dropped, you may need to top it up using the filling loop (check your boiler manual).
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Turn the heating back on and check if the radiator is now heating evenly from top to bottom.
Maintenance Tips
Check your heating system at the start and end of every season, especially after summer when the system may have been idle. Bleeding your radiators once or twice a year should keep your system running smoothly.
Do You Need a New Radiator?
Sometimes bleeding won’t fix an old, underperforming radiator. If it’s rusty, leaking, or still not heating properly after maintenance, it may be time for a replacement. At Radiator Village, we stock high-quality, energy-efficient radiators in a wide range of styles and sizes to suit every home and budget, including:
Explore our full range at Radiator Village and find the perfect radiator to keep your home warm and efficient.
