As the winter is swiftly approaching, the weathermen have predicted the UK is set for another arctic winter. The severe weather seen late last year and early this year is due for a comeback with temperatures in some places set to hit -20 it is important to make sure you are fully prepared for the coming months.
If you do face any problems over the winter that can’t be done easily it is always best to call a plumber before the problem gets any worse, saving cost in the long run.
Qualified plumbers like the trainees who complete our plumbing courses will be able to tackle most problems.
REMEMBER always make sure the plumber you choose has got the right qualifications – Our plumbing courses trainees are trained to our highest standards with many gaining the City & Guilds 6189-11 level 2 NVQ in plumbing.
Why bleed a radiator?
In your house you may notice that sometimes although the heating is on the radiator is not warm at the top of the radiator but is at the bottom. This is because systems can occasionally get air in them, blocking the water from flowing through the system correctly. This air needs to be removed to get the full potential from you heating system. This is known as bleeding the system.
How to bleed a radiator
Tools required:
Radiator Bleeding Key (see top image)
Towel (just in case)
Elbow Grease!
STEP ONE: Turn off your boiler. Make sure your boiler is off to prevent further air from entering the system when you bleed it.
STEP TWO: Open the Valves. The majority of radiators will have two valves at the base which control the water in and out of the radiator make sure these valves are open before moving on to the next step.
STEP THREE: Place the bleed key in the bleed screw, the bleed key is designed to fit snugly over the screw, however over time the soft metals of both key and screw can deteriorate if this is the case a spanner can also be used.
Turn the key anti-clockwise slowly until you hear a hissing sound. This is the air escaping the system keep your towel handy as water may then escape the radiator once the air has emptied. Once water escapes simply turn it clockwise until it is tightly closed.
This will need to be repeated on all radiators.
If you would like to learn more about our selection of plumbing courses call us free on 0808 115 6538 or fill in your details on the right to download our brochure.
