We sometimes take radiators for granted. They keep our homes warm and comfortable, yet we rarely pay them any attention. Until, of course, they stop working. One of the most common problems that homeowners encounter is radiators heating up unevenly (only half of the radiator gets warm).

 There are a few different reasons why some sections of your radiators aren't heating up. If you notice that only half of your radiator is getting warm – you will, of course, want to do everything possible to get them working again quickly. The good news is, that most of the issues that can cause cold patches on a radiator are relatively easy to understand and resolve. In fact, this issue is quite common even when your radiators and your boiler are in good condition. It is not necessarily a sign that you have a more serious problem, and it is often something that you can fix yourself without too much hassle. Just how you tackle this issue will depend on the whereabouts of the radiator problem. Your first step should therefore always be to identify whether the radiator is cold at the bottom, in the middle or at the top.

It is worth noting that this advice can also be applied to towel rails too – although they are a very reliable and effective heating source, they can also occasionally encounter the same issues of uneven heating.

What should I do if my radiator is cold at the top and warm at the bottom?

When a radiator appears to be cold at the top but still warm at the bottom, the usual culprit is air trapped in the heating system. There is a very simple approach to fixing this, which is to bleed the radiator. Bleeding a radiator releases the trapped air, allowing your radiator to run more efficiently.

How To Bleed A Radiator 

Once you have identified which radiators need bleeding, you will need a radiator bleed key, as well as containers and towels to catch any water that leaks out during the process.

 

Turn Off Your Radiator

Ensure the radiator has been switched off. If you’ve recently had it switched on, you will need to allow time for it to cool, so you don’t scold yourself on the hot water.

 

Locate The Bleed Valve

Find the bleed valve. This is usually at the top of the radiator, on the left or right-hand side.

 

Place A Towel Underneath Your Radiator

Place a container or towel below the bleed valve to catch any water that escapes.

 

Insert Your Bleed Key

Insert your bleed key into the valve until it locks in place. Again, it’s useful to have a towel to hand in case there are any drips.

 

Open The Valve

Slowly turn your key in an anti-clockwise direction to open the valve. Keep turning until the valve is halfway open.

 

Remove Any trapped Air

You should now hear the hissing noise of air escaping. Once this noise stops and water starts to come out of the valve, you have effectively removed all the trapped air. You can now close the valve by turning the key clockwise.

 

Turn Your Radiator Back On

Turn the heating back on and check that it has been effectively bled.

For more information, check out our guide.

 

What Should I Do If I Have A Cold Patch In The Middle Of My Radiator?

Unlike cold patches at the top of the radiator, a cold patch in the middle is most likely to be the result of a build-up of sludge or even rust, inside the system. To get rid of this, you will need to thoroughly clean inside the radiator, to remove whatever substance is obstructing the system. Depending on what kind of radiator you have, it may or may not be possible to do this yourself. If your system is an un-pressurised, open-vent system which is fed from a tank, you should be able to use a commercial sludge cleaner. Good quality sludge remover is available from most DIY stores, but ensure that you follow the instructions on the bottle carefully.

In order to flush the system out, you will normally either need to add the cleaning fluid into the feed and expansion tank, or you can empty the entire system and refill it a few days later. If, on the other hand, your radiator system is pressurised, you will need to contact a gas engineer to safely fix the system. If you aren’t sure, or there is any doubt about what kind of radiator system you have, it is always preferable to contact an engineer for advice, rather than put yourself or your home heating system at risk. If you have a system that you are able to flush out yourself, you will be able to judge the extent of the damage. Depending on the extent of this damage to the inside of your radiator, it may be the case that you are unable to effectively flush it out. In this case, you will need to buy a new radiator and have it installed by a registered gas engineer. While it might be frustrating, if you do find that you need to replace your radiator, it can be an exciting opportunity to upgrade to a stylish contemporary radiator design or find a convenient low-level radiator to fit less obtrusively into your home.

Lux Heat Oxford 4 Column Horizontal Radiator.

Get In Touch With Our Radiator Experts

Here at Just Radiators, we aim to be a one-stop shop for all your heating needs. From sleek vertical radiators to modern electric radiators. Also, we have a huge radiator sale on our designer radiators, you'd be silly to miss it!

Before choosing a radiator, use our free BTU calculator. It can tell you exactly what heat output you need to heat your room effectively. Once you have decided on the best radiator for you, make sure to check out our radiator valves. We have a huge range for you to pick from so you are sure to find something that suits your radiator and décor.

if you have any questions then please don't hesitate to get in touch with one of our team members. We're always happy to help and talk to you about your project and needs.