Testing radiators now, while the weather is still mild, can prevent long call-out queues and freezing evenings when the first cold snap arrives, according to Toasty's Plumbing and Heating expert Lee Saunders.
With the clocks going back on October 25, Saunders says this is the ideal time to get radiators ready ahead of the darker and colder evenings.
Why testing radiators early matters
“It sounds completely backwards, but testing your radiators ahead of their first winter use is a game changer,” says Lee.
“When the first cold snap hits, heating engineers are bombarded with emergency calls for seized valves, cold rooms and various other concerns. By taking the time now while the weather is mild, ensures your system will run smoothly and efficiently once the cold weather eventually kicks in.”
Check the spring-loaded pin in your TRVs
One key tip is to look for the loaded pin. Lee said: “After being untouched for the majority of the summer, the spring loaded pin in your Thermostatic Radiator Valves (TRVs) can easily seize up in the closed position.”
To fix this, Lee recommends: “After removing the TRV head, grab a pair of pliers and gently grab the pin and ease it upwards or gently tap it to free it from its stuck position. It should move up and down slightly once fixed.
“Be careful not to force the pin too aggressively as it can be damaged, in most cases it shouldn’t need more than a gentle nudge to get things flowing as they should.”
Top up pressure after bleeding radiators
The next step is to check the radiator after a bleed. Lee said: “We all know that bleeding our radiators is important as it removes any trapped air from the system. However, it also can lower the overall pressure of your boiler and heating system which can cause issues including your system shutting down all together.”
Lee recommends this quick trick post radiator bleed: “Use your boiler’s filling loop to top the pressure back up to its correct level (typically 1.0 to 1.5 bar) so your system doesn't shut down when you need it most.”
Balance your radiators for even heat
The balancing act is crucial. Lee said: “If the radiators nearest to your boiler get nice and toasty, whereas those further away remain lukewarm, your heating is unbalanced,” shares Lee. “Water will always take the path with the least amount of resistance, heading to the nearest radiators first.
“To correct this, head to the fast heating radiators and locate the lockshield valve (typically opposite the TRV). Turn the valve slightly clockwise to restrict water flow. By creating this small bit of resistance, you’re forcing the hot water further down the pipework to the colder radiators in the home”.
