Radiators cold at the top? Gurgling noises in the pipes? You might just need to bleed your heating system — and it’s one of the simplest bits of home maintenance you can do.

But how often should it be done, and what’s the safe way to do it without risking leaks or boiler issues?

At EPM, we’ve helped hundreds of homeowners across Exeter, Newton Abbot and Totnes sort their radiator problems quickly. Here’s our guide to doing it right.

How Often Should You Bleed Radiators?

In most homes, once or twice a year is enough — ideally:

• Before winter (October or November)

• After any major heating work or system changes

• If you notice cold spots or noisy pipes

Some homes, especially those with older pipework or loft tanks, might need it more often.

Signs You Need to Bleed a Radiator

Look (or listen) for:

• Cold patches at the top of the radiator

• Gurgling or bubbling noises

• Radiators warming unevenly

• The boiler pressure rising and falling unusually

These usually mean air has built up inside the system and needs to be released.

How to Bleed a Radiator Safely

You’ll need:

• A radiator bleed key (or flathead screwdriver for some valves)

• A cloth or small container to catch water

Steps:

1. Turn your heating off and let radiators cool fully

2. Start with the radiator furthest from the boiler

3. Insert the key into the valve (usually top corner)

4. Turn slowly anti-clockwise — you’ll hear a hiss as air escapes

5. When water starts to dribble out, close the valve tightly

6. Check your boiler pressure — if it’s dropped, top it up carefully

Never fully remove the valve — a small quarter turn is usually enough.

What If Bleeding Doesn’t Fix It?

If your radiator is still cold or noisy, you might have:

• A blocked valve

• Sludge buildup inside the radiator

• Poor system balancing

That’s where we step in — with power flushing, balancing, or targeted repairs to get your system running efficiently again.

Final Word from EPM

Bleeding your radiators is one of the quickest ways to improve comfort and reduce heating bills — and it takes just a few minutes.

If you’ve bled them and the problem’s still there, give us a call. We’ll take it from there and get it sorted before the next cold snap.