Radiators cold at bottom (how to bleed)?

[Craig30]

Hi, my girlfriend's house has some radiators what I think need bleeding.

I'm used to bleeding radiators at the top of the rad when they are cold at the top.

The radiators at my girlfriends are cold at the bottom and red hot at the top. They don't have a point at the top to use a rad key. But at the bottom near the valve/connection pipe they do have what looks like can be bled with a rad key (but I'm not 100% sure).

Anyone any ideas?

Thanks

 

[Deleted member 63160]

Yeh. These are the bottom bleeds for heavy air. I'm sure there is a thread on here about them

 

[D_Hailsham]

I'm used to bleeding radiators at the top of the rad when they are cold at the top.

That's because the air rises to the top.

The radiators at my girlfriends are cold at the bottom and red hot at the top.

Rads which are cold at the bottom normally means they are blocked up with sludge.

They don't have a point at the top to use a rad key.

Look on the back of the rad near the end, the bleed valve may be covered by a metal cap about the size of a 10p piece.

at the bottom near the valve/connection pipe they do have what looks like can be bled with a rad key (but I'm not 100% sure).

Bleed valves are always at the top. That will be the drain point.

Turn off both valves (count number of turn on lockshield - valve without a handle). If you have a thermostatic valve take care as not all models can turn right off.

Drain rad through the drain point - preferably with a hose into the garden. (protect carpets or you may have an ex-girlfriend )

Remove rad and take into garden
Hose the rad through until it runs clear. Thumping the rad with a rubber mallet or similar will help dislodge any sludge.
Replace rad
Reset valves and check.

 

[big-all]

cold at the bottom is caused by sludge or the water taking an easier route to the exit valve
i assume both valves are at the bottom