radiator still cold after bleeding
Last updated on: 12 September 2024

Radiator Still Cold After Bleeding? Get Your Problem Solved!

Radiators are a crucial part of our homes because they distribute heat from your boiler to your home. When winter arrives, you reach out to your radiators for heating, and sometimes you notice that the heat is not distributed correctly. What could be the reason?

The reason is that when you use it after a particular time, the air gets trapped and dirt and dust particles build up, limiting the amount of heat transferred to your radiators and leaving some radiators cold.

But this can be solved easily by just bleeding out your radiators, but sometimes your radiators are still cold after bleeding. There could be several reasons behind this problem.

Are your radiators also not properly distributing heat around your home? Are your radiators still cold after bleeding? Then don’t worry; this article will identify the potential reasons why your radiators are not working correctly after bleeding them and what actions you can take to solve the problem.

Why are my radiators not heating up after bleeding?

The radiators not getting hot even after bleeding indicates numerous problems related to multiple components of your central heating system. Some of the steps can be performed by yourself, and for others, you will need the assistance of an expert. So, let’s discuss the steps you must complete to ensure your radiators get hot after bleeding.

Step 1: Check Whether Your Heating System is Balanced or Not

Replacing radiator heating valve

One of the most common reasons your radiators are not distributing heat is that your central heating system is not balanced. An unbalanced central heating system can disrupt the heating flow from your boiler to your radiators, resulting in uneven heating in your home.

That’s why balancing your radiators after bleeding is a great way to balance the heating flow around your home.

Step 2: Check Your Thermostatic Radiator Valve For a Stuck Pin

Thermostatic radiator valve

Sometimes the problem of your radiator being cold after bleeding can be related to your TRV (thermostatic radiator valve). A TRV is attached to a radiator and is responsible for controlling the temperature of your room by adjusting the flow of hot water entering your radiators.

When the pin of the TRV gets stuck, it causes the radiator to not get hot even after bleeding it out. To solve this problem, you will need to loosen the pin; to do that, you won’t necessarily need to contact an expert. All you need to do is gather pliers or an adjustable spanner. After grabbing the necessary tools, locate the valve at the side of the radiator near the temperature dial.

Then remove the cap of the TRV head, and you will see the pin beneath the cap. See if the pin is in the closed position or not. If it is in the shut position, use the adjustable spanner to hold the pin and then move it up and down when it gets loosened; this will mean it is unstuck. Then restart your central heating, and your problem should be solved.

Read More: How To Fit A Thermostatic Radiator Valve Head

Step 3: Powerflush Your Heating System to Remove Blockages

Central heating Powerflush

After loosening the pin of your TRV, if the cold radiator’s problem persists, the problem might be related to blockages in your radiator because of the buildup of sludge, limescale, debris, or an airlock. You might need to perform a central heating power flush to remove these blockages.

Flushing the system can help solve this problem, but if you don’t have any plumbing experience, you will have to contact a Gas Safe engineer to perform the process.

To learn more in-depth details regarding a power flush, read our blog: What is a central heating power flush, and why is it important?

Step 4: Consider Replacing the Thermostatic Radiator Valve

Close-up Of A Young Male heating engineer replacing the thermostatic radiator valve

As mentioned above, the stuck pin of your TRV can cause a cold radiator, and after you unstuck it and notice that the pin gets stuck again, your valve is always worn out due to enhanced use or no use.

So to avoid this problem, it is wise to invest in a new thermostatic valve. Not only will it solve your issue of the radiator getting cold, but it will also add life to your radiators and a new look to your home.

Step 5: Maintain Your Heating System Regularly

The heating engineer is checking the heating system in the boiler room with a tablet in hand

Another factor to consider is the maintenance of your central heating system. We can all admit that after winter, most of us don’t effectively check and maintain our heating system, which can cause certain parts to get faulty due to rust and corrosion, also causing your radiator to get cold.

So, ensure you get your whole central heating system inspected by a Gas Safe engineer annually. He will thoroughly examine your system and check whether all components, including radiators, work correctly.

A 24|7 home rescue engineer is checking a boiler

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Conclusion

After reading this article, I hope that if your radiator remains cold after bleeding it, you will know what to do and when to contact a Gas Safe engineer. Radiators can get cold for various reasons, so it is always better to have them inspected by a Gas Safe engineer and follow his tips for maintaining your heating system to enjoy an uninterrupted supply of heating and hot water.

If you need any assistance or information regarding your radiators, call 24|7 Home Rescue, and we will answer all your queries that might help clear up all your concerns.

The information provided in this article has been collected from various sources. However, we suggest you consult a certified Gas-Safe Engineer in your area before making any decisions, as every individual’s home situation is unique.

Posted by: Martin Astley 28 July 2023