Before you start, does you radiator actually need bleeding?

If the top area of the radiator is cool whereas the bottom is hot then it is likely it needs bleeding. If the whole radiator is cool whereas the rest in the property are working at normal temperature, then it is also likely that the radiator needs bleeding.

Now you are ready follow the steps below.

Step 1

Turn the central heating system off.

Step 2

Locate your bleed key and find where it fits into the bleed valve at the top end of the radiator (it may be at the back for some radiators).

Step 3

Place a small bowl under the bleed valve to catch any water that might be expelled and have an old cloth to hand.

Step 4

Place the key into the valve and slowly turn anti-clockwise for half a turn. The sound of air escaping should be heard. Continue to let air escape until water begins dribbling out. When this happens turn the key back to its original position.

Step 5

Turn the central heating system back on to check the radiator now heats fine and nothing is leaking.

Additional

If your central heating is a sealed system, check the pressure bar which is usually located on the front of your boiler. Top this up as required by making reference to the user manual.

A screwdriver can be used if the bleed key has been lost, but only as a last resort.