Radiator not working in one room: Causes & Fixes
Do any of your home's radiators have a tendency to heat up improperly or not at all? Not to worry. In this blog we'll go through the most typical causes of radiator failure as well as solutions.
Causes and How to Fix a Single Radiator Not Heating Up
When all other radiators in your home are heating up properly except one, it can be frustrating. There are 2 main causes for this, these include...
Thermostatic radiator valve stuck (TRV)
The TRV regulates the hot water supply to the radiator. When the heating is switched on, hot water won't be able to enter the radiator if it becomes blocked. Old radiators are especially prone to this issue.
Air Locked Up in the System
If air is forced upward and forms sizable pockets inside the radiator, it can displace water. The radiator won't heat up adequately as a result.
How to Fix a Single Radiator Not Heating Up
Fixing a stuck TRV
Turn off your heating system and let the radiator finish cooling. The rotatable TRV head must be removed to reveal an elevated pin beneath. Use a finger to try to press the pin gently. The TRV is not stuck if the pin rises readily, therefore, you can proceed to bleeding the radiators. The TRV is probably jammed if the pin has already depressed or if it moves awkwardly. To gently insert and remove the pin, you might try using grease and pliers. When all else fails, call in a licenced heating engineer.
Bleeding the radiators
We highly recommend laying down some old towels or a cloth to prepare the area beneath the radiator you want to bleed. Additionally, be prepared with a bucket to catch any water spills. Before you begin working, make sure the radiator is fully cool.
If your radiator doesn't have a TRV, make sure the lockshield valve is open or fully open the TRV of the radiator in question.
Insert the bleed key into the bleed vent, which is often at the upper right of the radiator. Once you hear air escaping, turn anticlockwise until you see a little amount of water emerges. Turn the TRV or lockshield valve back to its initial position after closing the bleed valve. Utilize the pressure gauge to check the boiler's pressure and top it off if necessary.
Do Your Radiators Need to Be Balanced?
Your radiators may need to be balanced to provide an even flow of hot water if bleeding your radiators and cleansing your system don't address the issue of a cold spot in a specific radiator. Your radiators need to be balanced if the radiator that is farthest from your boiler is the one that doesn't heat up.
It takes some DIY know-how and abilities to repair a single radiator that won't heat up, but you can frequently handle the job yourself. However, it's always preferable to contact a certified heating engineer if you're unsure of your skills. You can make sure that your radiators are operating properly and that your home is kept warm by heeding the advice in this guide.
Speak to a qualified heating engineer
The best thing you can do when it comes to repairing your heating system is to speak to a professional and experienced heating engineer. If you need further advice on your heating system, get in touch with our team today. We are available throughout Pulborough, Storrington, Billingshurst and Horsham. Simply call us on 01903 740538 or 07871 725133 and we will be happy to help.
