What is a bleed key?
Bleed keys are used for ‘bleeding’, which is the release of air from radiators via the air vent plug. Air trapped in a radiator can drastically reduce its efficiency. They are known as air release keys, bleed keys and air vent keys.
What can I use instead of a bleed key?
Alternative radiator bleeding methods The most popular alternative to a radiator key is by using a flat head screwdriver. Most modern radiators manufactured over the last 5 – 10 years will have a small indent allowing for a flat head screwdriver to be inserted into the bleed plug.
What are bleed keys used for?
Radiator bleed key – to bleed trapped air from radiators. Four-way key – to turn drain cocks or valves on/off when draining some radiators. Three-legged key – to turn some kinds of drain valves on/off. Double-ended key – to fit and remove radiator valve tails.
How do you bleed a radiator without a bleeding key?
For radiators with a slotted bleed screw, a simple screwdriver represents an ideal alternative to a bleed key. Just insert the screwdriver into the slot and turn it in a counter-clockwise direction to bleed the radiator.
What if no water comes out when bleeding radiator?
If no water or air comes out when you bleed the radiator, then the valve could be blocked with paint. Close the inlet and outlet valve at each end of the radiator, then remove the screw from the centre of the bleed valve.
Which radiator do I bleed first?
downstairs radiator
The radiator to bleed first Making sure your central heating is switched off, you should start with a downstairs radiator that is the furthest away from your boiler. Work your way through the radiators getting closer to the boiler, then go upstairs and repeat the process.
Do I have to bleed all radiators?
However, it’s best to bleed all the radiators in your home to ensure you release all the air and don’t have to repeat the job again for a while.
Do you bleed radiators hot or cold?
Do You Bleed Your Radiators With The Heating On Or Off? You should always bleed your radiators when the heating is switched off and the system has cooled down, because bleeding radiators with hot water flowing through the system increases the risk of scalds and burns.
Should heating be off when bleeding radiators?
Turn off your heating. You can’t bleed a radiator when the heating is on, as it may be too hot to touch. You could also get hot water spraying out of the radiator.
Should I bleed radiators when hot or cold?
Should I be bleeding radiators hot or cold? Always make sure your central heating system (your boiler) is turned off and your radiators are cold before attempting to bleed them. When turned on, your radiators contain hot water, and you could be at risk of scalding yourself if you bleed them at this time.
Should I bleed radiators hot or cold?
Should the boiler be on when bleeding radiators?