WELCOME TO OUR Bleeding central heating/Radiators PROJECT
This project is presented by Waldco Draineasy
Summary: How to bleed and drain your central heating system and radiators and avoid any mess !
Sometimes air can enter a central heating system. This usually happens when new water is added from either the feed and expansion tank or simply when its topped up as a result of de furring or periodic maintenance.
Air can also be created in a central heating system by the blades of the heating pump spinning round. This air can cause air locks and stop the hot water and ultimately heat from travelling around your central heating system. The usual remedy is to bleed your radiators or in some cases drain them.
Having discovered what the problem with your central heating system is, through any one of our related projects, you may need to bleed your radiators if not completely remove them and drain them.
The Draineasy kit is a wonderful new innovation which can make this operation as simple as it can possibly be without the usual dribbles of dirty water on the carpet.
Bleeding and draining radiators can be a very awkward and messy task but the Draineasy kit makes the operation so simple. The instructions for using Draineasy are below and a video is available to show you just how easy this tool is to use.
Radiators should not be bled or removed with the heating on. If there is any air in the system it will rise to the top of the radiator. On one side of the radiator there is a small square plug called a bleed valve. You will need a special key to fit this bleed valve and it can be bought from the tools area below.
Turn the key anti-clockwise about a quarter of a turn and (if there is air in the radiator) you will hear a hissing sound as it escapes. As soon as the hissing stops a dribble of water will escape from the radiator. At this point close the key very firmly. The radiator is now bled.
If bleeding the radiators does not solve the problem you are having with your central heating it may be that you need to remove and flush out and drain the radiators.
Radiator sludge produced from rust and debris in the water supply can grind central heating systems to a standstill. Use the following instructions to drain and remove your radiators without mess. Make sure this kit is to hand.
Identify the feed and return valves on your radiator and close them down fully. Slacken the bleed valve (described above) to remove any pressure, then re-tighten.
Position the draining tray under the valve you intend to undo. 
Select the correct size of Diverting collar for the radiator pipe (8mm, 10mm, 15 or 22mm) and apply a bead of sealing gel round the circular hole in the collar.
Clip the Diverting collar around the pipe and slide a length of sealing strip along the slit at the rear of the collar. This seals the back of the collar.
Twist the Diverting collar through 90 degrees positioning the sealing strip at the rear. Smear the sealing gel around the pipe with your finger to make a fully water resistant seal.
Once the collar and tray are in position and the surrounding area protected (just in case!) hold the valve tightly with one spanner while you undo the union nut to the radiator with another. See our removing a radiator project for instructions on this. Water will begin to flow from the radiator. Should the water slow down do not undo the union nut any more. Open the bleed valve a little to let some air in, this will allow the water to flow out more easily. Do not undo the union nut or remove the bleed screw totally until the radiator is completely empty. The union may be re-tightened at any time during this process. If you have a large radiator and it begins to fill the water tray, close the union, empty the tray and repeate the above process.
When you are sure that the radiator is completely drained you can remove it safely.
Top Tools
Click on a tool below for additional information.
Much more construction information is available in our bookstore. All the tools and fittings you need in the toolstore.
Forums
Boxing in a boiler
BOXING IN PIPES
CENTRAL HEATING (DRAINING DOWN)
CENTRAL HEATING - BOILERS
CENTRAL HEATING - FAULT FINDING
CENTRAL HEATING - OVERVIEW
CENTRAL HEATING - RADIATORS
CENTRAL HEATING - REPAIRS
CENTRAL HEATING BOOKS
Central Heating Systems
CHANGING TAPS
COLD WATER TANKS - Cisterns, etc.
CURING AN AIR LOCK
HOT WATER SYSTEMS
JAMMED / STUCK WATER VALVES
LEAD WATER MAIN REPLACEMENT
RADIATOR CABINETS
Radiator Problems
REMOVING A RADIATOR
Saving energy by saving water
UNBLOCKING TOILETS, SINKS, DRAINS ETC
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