What can I use instead of radiator bleed key?
Alternative radiator bleeding methods
The most popular alternative to a radiator key is by using a flat head screwdriver. Most modern radiators manufactured over the last 5 – 10 years will have a small indent allowing for a flat head screwdriver to be inserted into the bleed plug.
Do you need a radiator key?
The air tends to collect at the top of the radiator, and it creates a barrier. That’s why each radiator has a bleed plug, which is usually located on the side near or at the top. The bleed plug often has a special shape, and you need a radiator key to turn it. Don’t worry if you lost your key.
When should you use a radiator key?
The radiator key can be a very useful. Tool if your home runs on a wet central heating system to bleed your radiators firstly ensure that your central heating system is fully turned off.
How do I turn my radiator key on?
Once all the air is released. After a few seconds. The hissing will be replaced by a gurgle and water will start to ooze or spray.
How do I know which radiator key to buy?
A clock key between size eight to 12 should work on your older radiator if you wish to bleed it. Many clock keys come with multiple sizes in one pack so you should be able to find one that’s the right size.
Do I need a key to bleed a radiator?
You can use a flathead screwdriver to bleed a radiator without a key. Place the flat head into the notches of the bleed valve. To bleed the radiator, turn anticlockwise to open the valve, and clockwise to close the valve. Remember to hold an old cloth or jug under the bleed valve to catch any escaping water.
How do you bleed a radiator without a key UK?
For radiators with a slotted bleed screw, a simple screwdriver represents an ideal alternative to a bleed key. Just insert the screwdriver into the slot and turn it in a counter-clockwise direction to bleed the radiator.
Should you bleed radiators hot or cold?
cool
How to bleed your radiator. Make sure your central heating system is turned off and the radiators are cool. If you have more than one radiator to bleed, start with the radiator furthest away from your boiler.
Should water come out when bleeding a radiator?
Yes, it is perfectly normal for water to escape when a radiator is bled. You’ll likely notice some drips emerging when initially turning the bleed screw in an anti-clockwise direction. And water would pour out once the air was released, if the valve was to be opened fully.
What is a radiator valve key?
Radiator keys are hand tools for undoing, tightening and adjusting the fittings of a central heating radiator. They are also known as radiator spanners, radiator wrenches, valve keys, air release keys and bleed or bleeder keys. You might want to use keys on radiator fittings to: Remove unwanted air from the radiator.
How do I know what size radiator key I need?
Keys that are used to wind up clocks work on a number scale from 000 to 16. A clock key between size eight to 12 should work on your older radiator if you wish to bleed it. Many clock keys come with multiple sizes in one pack so you should be able to find one that’s the right size.
Do you bleed radiators hot or cold?
What happens if you bleed a radiator with the heating on?
You must not bleed a radiator when the heating is turned on as it may be too hot to touch and hot water could spray out of it. Ensure the heating is turned off before you begin bleeding a radiator. Letting out air when the pump is running will only draw more air into the system from elsewhere.
When bleeding a radiator do you let all the water out?
Which radiator do I bleed first?
downstairs radiator
The radiator to bleed first
Making sure your central heating is switched off, you should start with a downstairs radiator that is the furthest away from your boiler. Work your way through the radiators getting closer to the boiler, then go upstairs and repeat the process.
Are radiator valve keys universal?
Unfortunately, there’s no one-size-fits-all. Some appliances have different sizes and types of keys and valves, and some have fittings for universal keys, so what you require depends on exactly what radiators you have installed.
Can I bleed a radiator with the heating on?
Turn off your heating. You can’t bleed a radiator when the heating is on, as it may be too hot to touch. You could also get hot water spraying out of the radiator. Use your radiator key to turn the valve at the top of the radiator.
Do you turn boiler off when bleeding radiators?
Turn the heating off and allow it to cool down
It is important to turn the heating off and allow the radiators time to cool. This is to make sure that the hot water in the radiators doesn’t burn you when you start to bleed the radiators.
Should radiators be bled with heating on or off?
Should I be bleeding radiators hot or cold? Always make sure your central heating system (your boiler) is turned off and your radiators are cold before attempting to bleed them. When turned on, your radiators contain hot water, and you could be at risk of scalding yourself if you bleed them at this time.
Can you buy radiator keys?
Sterling Radiator Keys are easy to grip and simple to use. Great for bleeding radiators and suitable for most wall mounted models. Supplied in a pack of 2 to make sure you always have one at hand when needed.
Do you bleed upstairs or downstairs radiators first?
Which Radiators Do You Bleed First? If your home has more than two floors, begin by bleeding the downstairs radiators first – start with the one that is furthest away from your boiler. How Often Should You Bleed Your Radiators? Hot water radiators should be bled at least once a year.