It can be frustrating when part of a radiator stays cold, particularly when you're trying to get a room toasty. These tips will help you to diagnose and fix some common problems.
The top section is cold
This probably means there's air in the system. You will need to bleed the radiator so that this trapped air can be released.
The centre section is cold
This may mean rust and sludge are obstructing the bottom part of the radiator. To clean your radiator you will need to remove it and flush it out. In some cases your radiator will need replacing.
The bottom section is cold
This may mean a build up of scale, rust or sludge is obstructing the flow of water. If your central heating has an open-vented system then you can use a heating system sludge remover, which can be bought at most DIY stores. To do this you should:
- Add the liquid to the feed and expansion tank.
- After a few days you'll need to empty and refill the system.
- Non-open vent systems require you to flush through the radiators with a hosepipe.
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