QUESTION: Heating and radiators: how to know if a radiator has an air lock and what to do?
Understanding that a heating radiator has an air lock is a key skill for maintaining a comfortable home temperature during the cold season. When dealing with heating and radiators, start with a simple plan: define your end goal, determine your budget, set a timeline, and make a complete list of necessary tools such as an adjustable wrench, a water container, and a rag. Then, proceed in small iterations and check the results at each step to avoid damaging threaded connections and flooding the room.
The main sign of an air lock in a radiator is uneven heating, where the upper part remains cold while the lower part or supply pipes are hot. A characteristic gurgling sound, water trickling, or the complete absence of heat in a specific heating appliance while the system as a whole is running can also indicate the presence of an air pocket. Air gets inside radiators due to gases dissolved in the heat transfer fluid, repair work on risers, or the initial startup of the heating season after being idle all summer.
To eliminate the air pocket, you need to carefully bleed the accumulated gas using a special Mayevsky valve or the built-in needle valve provided in the radiator design. Place a small container under the bleed valve and put an absorbent rag on the floor to protect the flooring from drops of rusty water. Slowly turn the key or screwdriver counterclockwise until a characteristic hissing sound of escaping air appears, and as soon as a steady stream of water starts coming out instead, immediately close the valve clockwise.
After performing this procedure, be sure to check the pressure in the heating system, as it may drop slightly when bleeding air, which will require topping up the boiler or contacting the management company. If the radiator does not start heating completely after bleeding, the problem may lie in clogged internal channels or a malfunctioning thermostatic valve that requires professional cleaning. Systematic prevention and timely maintenance of heating appliances guarantee the efficient operation of the entire system and stable heat in your home.