gas central heating problem.

[mool]

just moved into a new house and the downstairs radiators don't get particularly hot if at all and the upatairs bathroom rad remains cold. the pipes leading to these rads are hot enough. blockages, air locks? Thanks for any help.

[Rabelais]

Have you tried bleeding any of them?

[mool]

No I haven't, is this a simple job?

[Rabelais]

Yes, you need a radiator key, which you can get at any hardware store, or if you have nice neighbours from next door. You then loosen the valve at the top of the radiator and allow the air out (have a towel handy and wedge it behind the radiator as water will spurt out when all the air is out). If this doesn't work the problem will be elsewhere try bleeding and refilling the system. The bleeder valve is usually found at the lowest point in the system, usually just under the boiler and then refill. Failing this call a plumber.

[mool]

Will do, cheers.

[sddsddean]

If bleeding etc doesn't work, have you got thermostat valves on your radiators? (The plastic things with vent slots in the sides at the bottom of the rad on one side). If so, the valve pin may be stuck. Under the plastic bit is a knurled metal collar. Unscrew this (by hand) and lift it off the valve. You should see the top of the brass valve with a little pin (about 1mm dia) sticking up. Tap this pin VERY,VERY gently with a hammer (preferably use a small panel pin hammer if you've got one). If the pin is stuck it will pop up a bit. Screw the Thermostat back on and fire up the heating. If the rad still doesn't get hot, its something else!!!