Radiator cold at the top, warm at the bottom

Free DIY guide — no sign-up required. Written by a qualified Gas Safe engineer.
DIY Friendly💷 £0£510–20 min

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Most likely cause & what to check

1

A radiator cold at the top has trapped air inside — the easiest radiator fix there is.

2

Turn the heating on and wait until the system reaches temperature.

3

Insert the bleed key and turn anti-clockwise by a quarter turn — you'll hear hissing air.

4

Once water trickles steadily, close the valve firmly but don't overtighten.

5

After bleeding, check boiler pressure and repressurise to 1–1.5 bar if needed.

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