My Radiator Won’t Heat Up: How To Fix It
We are in the midst of an English winter so a radiator that won’t heat up is really no good at all. After all, we’re known for our chilly winters that motivate us to stay inside where it’s warm and cosy. When that’s not possible, things can turn unpleasant in the home, and certain people with health issues or the elderly can be put at risk. With a few months of cold weather to go, we thought we’d make sure that your radiators are working as they should. We’ve provided you with a quick check list so you can localise the issue and of course, we’ve given you a little “fast fix-it help” as well.Read on for our tips to resolve those radiator problems.
Radiator Problems:
Radiator Check-list
1. Check your radiator valve. It may be closed. Known as the handwheel valve, this allows hot water into your radiator to heat it up. If it does happen to be off, you can turn it on effortlessly by hand.
2. You’ll also want to check your radiator thermostat valve. Is it set correctly? You might have set the valve too low which would mean that not enough heat is pumping through. If you have a faulty valve, you will need to drain central heating systems and replace it.
3. Next, check the lockshield valve. Located at the opposite end of the radiator to the handwheel valve, the lockshield establishes water flow into the radiator and may need to be adjusted and set correctly to let more hot water through.
Check your Valves
4. Another thing worth checking is whether or not your valves are blocked. This is pretty common as pesky limescale can cake the valves and prevent them from transmitting heat. The radiator may need to be flushed or the entire system may need descaling.
5. Upstairs radiators can be negatively impacted by the feed and expansion tank in your loft or it may be that your ball valve isn’t working properly or is blocked. Eliminating obstructions and refilling the cistern should rectify this.
6. Downstairs radiators can encounter faults when the pump isn’t working properly. If a replacement is needed, you should contact a Gas Safe Register approved professional.
Prevention is Best!
7. Remember that maintaining your systems is the best way to evade such problems occurring in future and for anything you are unsure of, contacting a professional that you trust is always the best way forward.
Now you should be well on your way to enjoying the cold season with a nice, toasty room. It’s also enjoyable getting out of the bath when your towels have been heated on an electric radiator or heated towel rail. Even if something does go awry with your central heating, your bathroom will still be nice and warm!
