How to bleed a radiator without a key? If your radiators are not electrically heated, even though central heating is turned on in your home, there are two possible causes for this condition. Your radiators may be out of balance, or there may be air inside your radiator. And the distinction is quite simple. If you hear from your radiators or the top is cooler than the bottom, you will need to bleeding from your radiator.
If your radiator does not hear any sound and the upper parts are not cold, although you are not heating up efficiently, you will need to stabilize your radiators. How To Balance A Radiator? In our blog, we talked about how to balance your radiators, which you can read.
How often should you bleed your radiators:
You should bleed your radiators at least once a year. In some cases, you may need to bleed more than once.
Bleeding your radiators before winter will help you get ready for the cold winter months.
Now let's talk about how we can bleeding of your radiators.
You'll take the bleeding of your radiator, but couldn't you find your radiator key? This seems like a big problem for you, but you can bleeding your radiators' without any problems.
First, you have to look at the key part of your radiator and choose a device that fits it.
Which radiator should you bleed first?
If you live in a 2-storey house, you should first start by bleeding from the radiator on the 1st floor, the farthest from the combi boiler.
If there is a flat gap in the middle of the radiator valve:
A flat screwdriver will suffice to meet all your needs. Insert the screwdriver correctly into the lock part of the radiator valve and turn it counter clockwise slowly. Do this by having a cloth and a bucket with you because water can come out. As the screwdriver turns, you will hear a hissing sound, which will indicate that you are doing the right thing. After you hear this sound for a few seconds and some water comes out, turn the screwdriver clockwise and close the lock again. After doing this correctly, you will see that your radiator is heating up efficiently.
If there is a gap in the middle of your radiator valve in a different way:
You can use different tools depending on the shape in the middle of your radiator valve. This shape can be square, hexagonal or different. In these cases, different sizes of hex wrench and pliers can help you get the job done. All you have to do is do the same as we did above with a flat screwdriver.
If you have a radiator key or decided to take the radiator key:
To purchase a radiator key, you can get it from your nearest hardware store or from your local plumber.
You can check our video on how to bleed towel rail radiator to properly bleed the radiator with the radiator key.
Do all radiator keys fit together?
The keys of the new generation of radiators are almost the same. It may differ, albeit slightly. But as we said, very unlikely.
But if you are using an old generation radiator, the new generation radiators will most likely not fit with your keyed radiator. Finding a key to an old generation radiator can be quite difficult and tiring.
Older generation radiators need to be bled frequently. This will spoil the heat of your home and disturb you in the cold winter months. A poorly heated house is dangerous for your health.
Would you like to replace your old generation radiator with a new generation radiator?
If your answer is yes, look at and order new generation designer radiators, that will not force you economically.
Everyone's entitled to good warming. For good warming, the Elegant Radiators.
How To Bleed A Radiator Without A Key FAQ
What can I use if I don't have a radiator key?
A flat head screwdriver is the most commonly used alternative to a radiator key. Most new radiators made in the last 5 to 10 years include a small indent that allows a flat head screwdriver to be placed into the bleed plug.
Can you bleed a radiator when the heating is on?
Turn off the heat. When the heating is on, you cannot bleed a radiator because it may be too hot to touch. You might also notice hot water gushing from the radiator. Turn the valve at the top of the radiator using your radiator key.