Radiator Toronto - Bleeding Radiators
Definition- letting the air out of the radiators, and filling it completely with water.
We recommend call an experienced heating technician professional to assist you with all your heating needs. Call Hoerner Heating & Plumbing 416-463-2573
Tools: Radiator valve Key, Flat head screw driver, Pliers, Rags
Hydronic Heating systems are a closed system. Throughout the heating season the air in the water will separate and will find a place to build especially on the top floor.
If the air is not removed the radiators will not work properly or not at all. To remove the air you will have to “Bleed” the radiators.
It is always highly recommended that radiators are bled before the heating season. Always start from ground up. During the heating season you can check to see if any of the radiators need to be bled.
Step 1:
Turn the temperature up on your heating system using the thermostat. Some radiators may have their own thermostat and will have to be adjusted as well. You will have to wait a bit to give the system a chance to heat the rads.
Step 2:
Find out which radiators need to be bled. Once all the radiators are hot. Go around to each individual rad. Check to see if all parts are the same temperature. “ Be careful not to burn yourself”
If you find that a radiator is cool near the top. Then you have found a build up of air.
Step 3:
Turn the power off to the boiler.
Step 4:
Bleeding the radiators.
All radiators will have a small valve located near the top at one end of the rad. A rad key, flat head screw driver or a pair of pliers may be needed to open the bleeder. Hold a rag or cloth up to the valve to catch any water that will come out. Open up the valve slowly (counter clockwise). You will hear a hissing noise, as the air leaves the system. Do not open the valve up too much. Once all the air has been released water will come out. Close the valve quickly and check for leaks. Be careful the water is dirty and can stain carpets. If you are bleeding the radiator and air is no longer coming out of the bleeder shut the valve off and wait a few minutes for the system to add more water. If after waiting and trying again to bleed the radiators, no air or water comes out - call a heating technician (Hoerner Heating & Plumbing). A device on the system has more like failed and needs to be replaced.
Step 5:
Check the pressure on the boiler to make sure there is enough in the system. Most residential heating systems should have a pressure of 12-15 PSI. If there is not enough call a Heating technician (Hoerner Heating & Plumbing).
Step 6:
Move to the next radiator. Once all the radiators have been bled. Turn the heat back down using the thermostat. Then turn the boiler back on and enjoy the heat.