Do you have a radiator that is not working even though the pipes are hot? This can be a frustrating problem, but there are a few things you can do to troubleshoot the issue. In this blog post, we will discuss the most common causes of a cold radiator and how to fix them.
Trapped Air
The most common cause of a cold radiator is trapped air. Air can get trapped in the radiator, preventing the hot water from flowing through it. This is usually the case if the radiator is cold at the top but warm at the bottom. You can usually bleed the radiator to remove the trapped air.
To bleed a radiator, you will need a radiator key and a towel. First, turn off the central heating system. Then, locate the bleed valve on the radiator. The bleed valve is usually a small, screw-like valve located at the top of the radiator. Insert the radiator key into the bleed valve and turn it clockwise to open the valve. A small amount of water will come out of the valve. Once the water stops flowing, close the bleed valve.
Faulty Valve
Another possible cause of a cold radiator is a faulty valve. The valve on the radiator may be stuck or damaged, preventing the hot water from flowing through. You can check the valve to see if it is stuck or damaged. If it is, you will need to replace the valve.
Low water pressure
If the water pressure in your central heating system is low, it may not be able to reach the radiator. You can check the water pressure using a pressure gauge. The water pressure should be between 1 and 2 bar. If the water pressure is lower than 1 bar, you will need to increase the pressure.
Blocked Radiator
The radiator may be blocked with debris, preventing the hot water from flowing through. You can check the radiator for blockages. If you find any blockages, you will need to remove them.
Faulty pump
The pump in your central heating system may be faulty, preventing the hot water from circulating through the system. You will need to call a qualified engineer to repair or replace the pump.
Conclusion
These are the most common causes of a cold radiator. If you have checked all of these possible causes and you are still unable to get the radiator to work, you may need to call a qualified engineer to diagnose the problem.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the most common cause of a cold radiator?
A: The most common cause of a cold radiator is trapped air. Air can get trapped in the radiator, preventing the hot water from flowing through. This is usually the case if the radiator is cold at the top but warm at the bottom.
Q: How do I bleed a radiator?
A: To bleed a radiator, you will need a radiator key and a towel. First, turn off the central heating system. Then, locate the bleed valve on the radiator. The bleed valve is usually a small, screw-like valve located at the top of the radiator. Insert the radiator key into the bleed valve and turn it clockwise to open the valve. A small amount of water will come out of the valve. Once the water stops flowing, close the bleed valve.
Q: What is the water pressure in my central heating system?
A: You can check the water pressure using a pressure gauge. The water pressure should be between 1 and 2 bar. If the water pressure is lower than 1 bar, you will need to increase the pressure.
Q: How do I check for blockages in a radiator?
A: You can check for blockages in a radiator by removing the radiator valves and inspecting the inside of the radiator. If you find any blockages, you will need to remove them.
Q: How do I call a qualified engineer?
A: You can find a qualified engineer by searching online or in your local phone book. When you call, be sure to describe the problem you are having so that the engineer can send the right person to help you.
I hope this FAQ section helps you to troubleshoot a cold radiator. If you have any further questions, please feel free to leave a comment below.