6 Common Heating Faults and What Each One Means
Several common heating complaints have straightforward causes that are worth recognising before calling anyone.
1. Cold at the top, warm at the bottom
Air trapped in the radiator, which rises to the top and blocks circulation.
The fix is bleeding: turn the heating off and let the system cool, open the bleed valve with the appropriate key, release air until water appears, and close it.
Have a cloth and container ready, since the water is dirty.
Check system pressure afterwards and top up if the boiler requires it, following the manufacturer's instructions.
2. Cold at the bottom, warm at the top
Sludge and corrosion debris settling in the base, which restricts flow.
Bleeding will not help. The radiator needs flushing, or the system needs a power flush and an inhibitor added.
Persistent sludge indicates the system water is not properly treated, which shortens the life of the boiler.
3. One radiator cold, others fine
A closed or seized valve. Thermostatic valves seize commonly, particularly over summer when unused.
Remove the head and check whether the pin beneath moves freely; a seized pin can frequently be freed with gentle persuasion.
Alternatively the system needs balancing, so flow is distributed evenly rather than favouring radiators nearest the boiler.
4. Whole system underperforming
Check the thermostat setting and programmer schedule first, which explains more calls than anything else.
Check boiler pressure against the marked range.
Check the flow temperature, which may have been set low.
Repeatedly falling pressure indicates a leak somewhere and needs investigation rather than repeated topping up.
5. Preventive measures
A magnetic filter captures debris and should be cleaned at each service.
Inhibitor in the system water prevents corrosion and depletes over time.
Run the heating briefly in summer to keep pumps and valves from seizing.
6. When to call someone
Anything involving gas, any smell of gas, or persistent pressure loss.
Repeated air in the system, which suggests water is entering somewhere it should not.
Final Thoughts
Several common heating complaints have straightforward causes worth recognising before calling anyone. Anything involving gas, or persistent pressure loss, belongs with a registered engineer.
Author: This article is general information only and does not constitute professional advice. Circumstances vary, and you should consult a qualified professional before making decisions based on this content.
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