Radiators

Pace1

My radiators are hot at the top and cold at the bottom, I know if its the other way round they need bleeding.
I would be grateful for any advise as I don't feel my heating is working as it should.
thanks

Ebe_Scrooge

This most commonly occurs if there is a build-up of sludge in the radiator. It's fairly simple to remedy. Turn off both valves ( one at each end of the radiator ), open the bleed valve, then slowly undo the nut at one end where the pipe enters the radiator. You'll need a bowl and some old towels to catch the water that comes out.

When the radiator is empty, remove both nuts completely then lift the radiator off the wall. Another pair of hands is helpful at this point ! Tip it up slightly to drain out the last of the water into a bowl, then carry it outside. Give it a good flush through with a garden hose until all the sludge comes out and the water runs clear. If it's really gummed up, then gently tapping with a rubber mallet can help dislodge the gunk.

When it's clean, put it back, re-connect the pipes ( it's a good idea to clean the threads with an old toothbrush first, to help get a good seal ), open the valves and bleed it as normal. You may need to re-bleed the other radiators, but usually you'll find that they're OK.

It's only half an hour's work at most, and you don't need to drain the whole system down. This will usually cure the problem, but if it doesn't, well it's cost nowt to try !

If the whole system is gunged up then a powerflush is a good idea. You'll need a proper plumber to do this for you, and it'll cost, so try the DIY method first.

Pace1

The radiators are not that old and it seems to be all the downstairs ones, up stairs seems to be ok, also we seem to be getting a clicking sound on some of them as well.

Ebe_Scrooge

The other thing it may be, is the pump not running fast enough. If you can locate the central heating pump, there's a little dial on it to vary the speed. Try turning that up a bit and see if it helps. It's fairly unusual, as whoever installed the system ought to have set it at the correct setting for your particular house, but again it's simple enough to try.

Mankysteve

Clicking is usually normally just the system heating up.

Pace1

I can't seem to get to the pump, I have had the booklet out but it does'nt help.