Expert Plumbing Services in South West London

Balancing your heating system ensures that hot water flows evenly to all radiators, so each room heats efficiently. Here’s how it works:

1. Turn off the boiler and allow the system to cool.

2. Fully open all radiator valves (both thermostatic and lockshield valves)

3. Start with the radiator farthest from the boiler, then gradually close the lockshield valves on radiators closer to the boiler. This reduces water flow to the nearer radiators, forcing more hot water to reach the far ones

4. Check radiator temperatures after running the system for 20–30 minutes. Adjust valves gradually until all radiators are evenly warm.

5. Fine-tune thermostatic radiator valves in individual rooms to control comfort.

Tip: Balancing a heating system can be tricky, especially in larger or older homes. If radiators are still uneven after balancing, call us and we can also check for trapped air, sludge, or pump issues.

If your radiator isn’t heating properly, it could be caused by sludge or debris buildup, trapped air, or a faulty valve. Here’s what you can do to try and fix it:

• Bleed the radiator: Release any trapped air by opening the bleed valve at the top of the radiator.

• Check the TRV and lockshield valve: Ensure the TRV is fully open and the lockshield valve is not closed.

• Consider a professional powerflush: If the problem persists, your system may have sludge or debris blocking water flow. Call us to discuss the issue and arrange a professional powerflush to restore your heating system.

• Hot at the top, cold at the bottom: This usually indicates a build-up of sludge, rust, or debris at the bottom of the radiator. This prevents hot water from circulating properly, leaving the lower part cold. A professional powerflush can clean your heating system thoroughly and restore even heat across all radiators.

• Hot downstairs, cold upstairs: This often means that the feed and expansion tank in your loft has run low, which can be caused by a faulty ball valve. This reduces water flow to upper floors, so it’s important to address this promptly to prevent further system issues.

• Cold downstairs, hot upstairs: If the lower floor radiators are cold while upper floors are hot, this could indicate a faulty central heating pump. If this happens, please call us to inspect and repair the pump. This will ensure your system is distributing heat evenly throughout your home.

Air trapped at the top prevents hot water from circulating. You can bleed the radiator by opening the bleed nipple until water flows. If the problem persists, call us to check for underlying system issues.

This is usually due to air trapped in the system or an uneven flow of water. Bleeding radiators or a system powerflush can often resolve this. Our engineers can diagnose the exact cause and restore even heating.

Bleeding a radiator releases trapped air, helping it heat evenly. Here’s how to do it safely:

1. Turn off your heating: Let the system cool to avoid hot water burns.

2. Locate the bleed valve: Usually a small square or round valve at the top of the radiator.

3. Prepare a cloth or small container: To catch any water that may escape.

4. Use a radiator key: Insert the key into the bleed valve and turn slowly anticlockwise.

5. Release the air: You’ll hear a hissing sound as trapped air escapes. Once water starts flowing steadily, close the valve by turning it clockwise.

6. Check the system pressure: If your boiler pressure has dropped, top it up according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

7. Turn the heating back on: Check that the radiator heats evenly from top to bottom.

If bleeding doesn’t fix the problem or the issue keeps recurring, there may be sludge or other system problems, and you should call us to inspect your system.

If your immersion heating stops working, first check the fuse, thermostat, and power supply. If the issue persists, it could be a faulty heating element or thermostat, and you should call us. As Gas Safe registered engineers we can safely and professionally inspect and repair or replace your immersion heater safely.

TRVs allow you to control the temperature of individual radiators, saving energy and reducing heating costs. They improve comfort by providing precise heating in each room and can help prevent overheating. If you are looking to upgrade your radiators with TRVs, please call us to have them professionally installed by our Gas Safe registered engineers.