Although it may seem like a waste of time, this step will help you pinpoint radiators that heat up slower than others. Step 2: Bleed Your System There are 4 different sizes and I’ve yet to come across a radiator drain valve that it doesn’t fit. My radiator drain valve keys Universal Radiator Key It’s an easy fix, using a radiator key. Here’s our step-by-step guide on how to bleed your radiator, or you can simply watch one of our OVO engineers guide you through the steps in this video.

Radiators should be balanced at least once a year, or whenever you notice any issues with the heating system. First, you’ll want to wait until the radiator is cooled off. But how to turn off a radiator? In most cases, you can control it with a central thermostat, but attenuating the thermostatic valve of your radiator (the one with dialed numbers) works to the same effect.On the vast majority of central heating radiators, there are 3 types of valve that you will encounter, with 2 ever being used at one time. Becoming rarer and rarer on modern radiators, manual valves are still common on old radiators or homes that have not upgraded their central heating systems for a long time. Rebalancing radiators resolves most cold radiator issues we’ve come across. However, if rebalancing your radiators doesn’t fix the issue of cold radiators, there could be another underlying problem.

You’ll know when your radiators need bleeding because they’ll make a noise when coming on, or they won’t heat up properly at the top. This is caused by trapped air, which needs releasing. The best way to use a thermostatic radiator valve is to set it to the correct temperature you want the room to be. First things first. Turn off your heating system and if it has been on, you will need to wait until it has completely cooled before moving on. It’s advisable to bleed and balance your radiators at least once a year, at the beginning of the cold season. Other times when your heating system may need balancing again are: They can also be used as a radiator drain valve key but there are many different sized heads so finding one key that fits all drain valve sizes is very unlikely. Summary

To balance your radiators, you will need a digital thermometer, radiator key and a set of adjustable pliers. The most common plumbing tool that gets called a radiator spanner is a large hex or Allen key type for fitting and removing radiator valve tails. Some radiator valves can be turned on and turned off with your hands, but some need tools. Radiator Allen Key