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November 10, 2007
Bleeding radiators
I have a hot-water heating system in a 3-family, where it's usually warmest on the bottom floors, coldest on top. Do i need to bleed the radiators? Would that help the temperature on the top floor? Is it good for anything else? And, how does one go about bleeding a radiator?
Comments
Shank it!
Posted by: guest at November 11, 2007 12:16 AM
It's really easy. Here's a link to a diagram.
http://www.doncaster.gov.uk/omfax/DoncasterIRB/BleedingaRadiator.htm
I learned how to bleed the radiator after watching a plumber bleed them after changing some piping. The plumber gave me the "key" needed to open the radiator and I have used it a number of times since.
GT
Posted by: gt at November 11, 2007 6:48 PM
Here's a video deomonstrating the process.
http://www.collins.co.uk/Default.aspx?article=7879
GT
Posted by: gt at November 11, 2007 7:18 PM
There should be what they call a coin key vent on each radiator. You can get the key for it at any supply house or hardware store. Sometimes they're slotted for a screwdriver to fit in. Get yourself a cup with a bucket near by and open it up(just a little) until all the air is bled and water starts flowing from the radiator without any air. The best thing to do is have a Heating contractor come in and check out your system. Installing a device called a 'spirovent' at the boiler supply line is the best thing to have. It bleeds the air out automatically. You'll never have to worry about bleeding the system again. The spirovent does that for you. The cost of the spirovent varies depending on the pipe size required to install.
Also think of your boiler as you would a car. You maintain your car regularly(I hope) and a boiler needs regular maintenance also, after all it is a power source. It's good to have a heating contractor come in towards the end of the summer or early fall every year to do a quick overall maintenance on your boiler. Think of it as an oil change.
Posted by: wholesalerbill at November 14, 2007 8:40 PM
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