How to Bleed a Radiator | |
To get the most heat out of your hot water system, the radiators or baseboard convectors must be full of water. Air can be trapped in the upper portions of the radiator, preventing the hot water from filling the radiator. At least once a year before the heating season begins, bleed the air from the system. The bleed-valve is located at the top end of the radiator and at one end of the baseboard convector. You may have to remove the radiator cover or open the panel at the end of the baseboard unit to find the valve. Some of these valves have a slotted stem and can be opened with a screwdriver. Many older type valves have a square stem and require a "radiator key" which is a small wrench similar to an old roller skate key. If you don't have one, it is sold at hardware stores. Before you start to bleed the air from the system get a small can or bucket to catch the water run off from the radiators or baseboard units. Then turn the bleed valve stem with the "radiator key" or screwdriver counter clockwise about a half turn or until you hear air hiss out. You may be surprised at how much air is in your radiators if you don't bleed them regularly. There will be less air in a baseboard system. As soon as the air stops hissing, position the can or bucket to catch the water that will run out of the valve. Allow the water to drain for 10 to 20 seconds to make sure all of the air is out and then close the valve. Bleed all the radiators or baseboard convectors with bleeder valves. During the first week that your heat is on, wait until the boiler is operating and the circulating pump is pushing water throughout the system, then bleed the radiators or baseboard units again. There will be very little air in the system, but the pump may move some trapped air to the top of the radiators or high spots in the baseboard system. Be careful when bleeding the units, because at this point they contain very hot water. Written by the editors of HouseNet. Copyright HouseNet, Inc. |