VIDEO - Why won't my radiator get hot?


Are you experiencing issues with your radiator not getting hot? If you're a novice at DIY, this can be a frustrating experience.

In this article, we'll discuss some common reasons why your radiator might not be getting hot, and how you can troubleshoot and potentially fix the issue yourself.

Common reasons why a radiator won't get hot

There are several reasons why a radiator might not be getting hot, including:

1. Air in the System

One of the most common reasons for a radiator not getting hot is air in the system. When there is air trapped in the radiator, it prevents hot water from circulating through the system properly. You can tell if there's air in the system by feeling the radiator - if it's only warm at the bottom and cold at the top, there's likely air trapped inside.

2. Blocked Pipes

Another common cause of a radiator not getting hot is a blockage in the pipes. Over time, pipes can become clogged with debris or sediment, preventing hot water from circulating properly.

3. Faulty Thermostatic Radiator Valve

A faulty thermostatic radiator valve (TRV) can also cause a radiator not to get hot. The TRV controls the flow of water into the radiator, and if it's not functioning correctly, it can prevent hot water from circulating through the system.

4. Closed Valves

If the valves on the radiator are closed, it will prevent hot water from entering the system. Make sure the valves are fully open to ensure proper circulation of hot water.

Video - How to fix a radiator that won't get hot

In the video below, James the professional plumber shows you exactly how you can tackle the issue of a radiator that won't get hot. Follow his intructions and see if you are able to solve the problem yourself.


Troubleshooting Tips for Radiators Not Getting Hot

If your radiator is not getting hot, there are some troubleshooting tips you can try to fix the issue:

1. Bleed the Radiator

If there's air trapped in the radiator, it's important to bleed it to release the air. To do this, turn off the heating system and use a radiator key to open the air bleed valve at the top of the radiator. Once the air has been released, you should hear a hissing sound. Once the hissing stops, close the valve and turn the heating system back on.

2. Check the Valves

Make sure the valves on the radiator are fully open. The lockshield valve is usually located on the return side of the radiator and should be opened one full turn. The TRV valve, if present, should also be fully open.

3. Unblock Pipes

If the pipes are blocked, you may need to hire a professional to fix the issue. However, there are some steps you can take to try and unblock the pipes yourself. First, turn off the heating system and use a drain rod or similar tool to clear any blockages. You can also use a power flush machine to force water through the system and clear any blockages.

4. Check the Thermostatic Radiator Valve

If the TRV is faulty, it may need to be replaced. However, before you do this, make sure it's not stuck in the closed position. If it is, use a pair of pliers to free it up.

5. Call a Professional

If you've tried all of the above troubleshooting tips and your radiator is still not getting hot, it's time to call in a professional. A qualified heating engineer can diagnose and fix the issue, ensuring your heating system is working correctly.

When to call in a professional

While many issues with radiators can be solved by homeowners, there are certain situations where it's best to call in a professional. If you're not confident in your ability to perform the above steps or if the problem persists after attempting these solutions, it's time to call in a plumber or heating engineer.

In addition, if you notice any of the following signs, it's important to bring in a professional:

  • Leaks: If you notice water pooling around your radiator or any signs of rust or corrosion, it's likely that there's a leak in the system. This can cause damage to your floors and walls, so it's important to address it as soon as possible.
  • Strange noises: If your radiator is making gurgling or banging sounds, it could indicate that there's air trapped in the system or that there's a blockage. A professional can help diagnose the issue and fix it.
  • Cold spots: If certain areas of your radiator are cold while others are hot, it could indicate a blockage or a problem with the flow of water. A professional can diagnose the issue and recommend the best course of action.
  • Old radiators: If your radiators are old or outdated, it may be time to upgrade to a more efficient system. A professional can recommend the best options for your home and help with installation.

Remember, if you're unsure about anything or if the problem persists, it's always better to err on the side of caution and bring in a professional. They have the knowledge and experience to diagnose and fix issues with your heating system, ensuring that your home stays warm and comfortable.

Convector radiators at Trade Radiators

At Trade Radiators, we believe our selection of convector radiators is unsurpassed. With many styles and sizes available from several choice manufacturers, we are sure to have one to suit your heating needs.

Convector radiators require a low water content to run on a low-temperature heating system using ground source heat pumps. We know that an energy-efficient heater is important to you, which is why we try to be as elaborate as possible about each unit's energy efficiency.

When selecting our convector radiators, we ensured we chose brands that look good and perform to a high standard. We have categorised them into three distinct groups - own brand, premier, and specialist.


Related Posts

VIDEO - How to replace a small radiator with a large one

Watch James the plumber take you through the process of removing a small, inadequate radiator and replace it with a bigger, more suitable one.

VIDEO - View all the colours in our cast iron radiator range

Cast iron radiators are a thing of beauty and we can supply them in a range of stunning colours. In this video, James the plumber discusses each time of timeless colour in detail.

VIDEO - How to install a radiator under a window

James the plumber shows us how to install a radiator under a window in this informative video. Have a watch and see if you feel confident enough to try it yourself!

VIDEO - How to install anthracite radiators in different rooms

James the plumber installs 3 anthracite Saturn radiators - two horizontals & one vertical double panel in different rooms in a house. Take a look and see if it helps you with your radiator inspiration.

VIDEO - How to install a dual fuel heated towel rail

James installs a dual fuel towel rail and connects it to the central heating system and the electrics. Take a look and see if a dual fuel rail is something that would work in your bathroom.

VIDEO - How to hang a radiator in a pub

James the plumber fits a radiator in a gents toilet and in a ladies toilet in a pub. See if this inspires you to do the same!

VIDEO - View our Trade Direct heated towel rail range

In this video, James the plumber shows you our fantastic Trade Direct range of heated towel rails. We have a huge variety of sizes and finishes, all at fantastic prices!

VIDEO - How to bleed a radiator

Bleeding a radiator is a simple task that you can easily do yourself. James the plumber explains how to do it to help you have a go yourself and keep your heating system running efficiently.

VIDEO - How to install a radiator in a tricky place

There can be many tricky places to try and install a radiator. James the plumber shows it's possible to install a radiator in an awkward place and make it look neat!

VIDEO - How to install a vertical radiator in a kitchen

In this video, James the plumber shows you how to install an aluminium vertical radiator in a kitchen with limited wall space.

VIDEO - How to install a radiator in a conservatory

James the plumber shows us how to get over some tricky hurdles & install a radiator in a conservatory. Take a look and see if this helps with getting some heat into yours!

VIDEO - How to connect cast iron radiators together

James the plumber takes you through the process of joining cast iron radiators together in this latest video. If you are considering installing cast iron radiators in your home, this is worth watching.

VIDEO - Installing a heated towel rail (timelapse)

James the plumber installs a heated towel rail in record time - or by using clever timelapse video techniques. Putting in a heated towel rail is a popular thing to do for your heating. See if this inspires you.

VIDEO - How easy is it to move a radiator?

James the plumber takes a rad from one wall & fits it on another in this excellent step-by-step video guide. If you need to move a radiator to another wall in your room, make sure you watch this.

VIDEO - Learn how to pipe a radiator

In this post, we look at how you can learn to pipe a radiator. This may be something you need to do with new radiators, so have a look at doing this with James the plumber. 

VIDEO - Learn how to balance a vertical radiator

James the Plumber gives you the rundown on balancing a vertical radiator to make sure it's working properly. Take a look at this step-by-step video guide to learn how you can balance your radiators.

VIDEO - How to hang a radiator on plasterboard

Hanging a radiator on plasterboard has never been easier, as James the plumber guides you through the process! Check out this video to find the answers to a common radiator conundrum! 

VIDEO: How to install a Deco Stainless Steel Radiator

James the plumber goes through the process of installing a lovely polished stainless steel Deco designer radiator. Watching this video might just inspire you to want a radiator finished in stainless steel.

VIDEO - How to Bleed a Radiator

In this video, James, the fully-qualified plumber, explains the reasons you might need to bleed a radiator, as well as taking you through the process step by step. Watch to see how to do this simple task now.

VIDEO - Why adding inhibitor is beneficial to your heating system

In this video, James the plumber demonstrates just how important inhibitor is in keeping your central heating system running smoothly and efficiently by preventing a buildup of rust and radiator sludge.

VIDEO - How to install a column radiator

James the plumber is back with a very detailed and educational video on how to fit a column radiator! Visit our website today to read more or browse through our column radiator range.

VIDEO - How to add inhibitor to your pressurised central heating system

View our video on how to add inhibitor if you have a pressurised central heating system. James the plumber shows you how and why adding inhibitor is so important in keeping things running smoothly.

VIDEO - How to add inhibitor to your heating system via a loft tank

An alternative method for getting heating inhibitor into your system is via the feed & expansion tank in your loft. James shows you how to to this simple task and explains why it's so beneficial to your system.

VIDEO - How to add inhibitor to your heating system via a heated towel rail

Learn how to add inhibitor to your central heating system via a heated towel rail. James the plumber shows you exactly how to do it and why inhibitor works so well at protecting your heating system.

VIDEO - How to change a thermostatic radiator valve

Video in which James the plumber takes you through the process of replacing an old thermostatic radiator valve. Watch this to see how easy it is to make the change yourself.

VIDEO - How to bleed a heated towel rail

Video in which James the plumber takes you through the process of bleeding your heated towel rail. Watch to see how easy this task is and how it can make a difference to your heating system's efficiency.

VIDEO - How to fix one radiator not working

Got one radiator that just won't get hot? James the plumber looks at the reasons why and how you can fix it. A game-changing video that can help you solve a common heating problem.

VIDEO - How to balance your heating system

Making sure all of your radiators are equally warm is important to keep your heating running smoothly. James the plumber shows you how to balance your heating system and keep it running smoothly.

VIDEO - How do thermostatic radiator valves work?

Another great video from James the Plumber telling you all you need to know about thermostatic radiator valves. If you don't really understand how TRVs work, then make sure to watch this video!

VIDEO - How to install a heated towel rail

James the plumber takes you through the process of installing a curved chrome heated towel rail into one of the bathrooms of a Trade Radiators customer. See if it inspired you to have a go!

Related posts
17 January 2023

VIDEO - How to replace a small radiator with a large one

Watch James the plumber take you through the process of removing a small, inadequate radiator and replace it with a bigger, more suitable one.

17 January 2023

VIDEO - View all the colours in our cast iron radiator range

Cast iron radiators are a thing of beauty and we can supply them in a range of stunning colours. In this video, James the plumber discusses each time of timeless colour in detail.

17 January 2017

VIDEO - How to install a radiator under a window

James the plumber shows us how to install a radiator under a window in this informative video. Have a watch and see if you feel confident enough to try it yourself!

9 September 2016

VIDEO - How to install anthracite radiators in different rooms

James the plumber installs 3 anthracite Saturn radiators - two horizontals & one vertical double panel in different rooms in a house. Take a look and see if it helps you with your radiator inspiration.

22 July 2016

VIDEO - How to install a dual fuel heated towel rail

James installs a dual fuel towel rail and connects it to the central heating system and the electrics. Take a look and see if a dual fuel rail is something that would work in your bathroom.

23 May 2016

VIDEO - How to hang a radiator in a pub

James the plumber fits a radiator in a gents toilet and in a ladies toilet in a pub. See if this inspires you to do the same!

11 May 2016

VIDEO - View our Trade Direct heated towel rail range

In this video, James the plumber shows you our fantastic Trade Direct range of heated towel rails. We have a huge variety of sizes and finishes, all at fantastic prices!

4 May 2016

VIDEO - How to bleed a radiator

Bleeding a radiator is a simple task that you can easily do yourself. James the plumber explains how to do it to help you have a go yourself and keep your heating system running efficiently.

30 March 2016

VIDEO - How to install a radiator in a tricky place

There can be many tricky places to try and install a radiator. James the plumber shows it's possible to install a radiator in an awkward place and make it look neat!

4 March 2016

VIDEO - How to install a vertical radiator in a kitchen

In this video, James the plumber shows you how to install an aluminium vertical radiator in a kitchen with limited wall space.

11 February 2016

VIDEO - How to install a radiator in a conservatory

James the plumber shows us how to get over some tricky hurdles & install a radiator in a conservatory. Take a look and see if this helps with getting some heat into yours!

20 October 2015

VIDEO - How to connect cast iron radiators together

James the plumber takes you through the process of joining cast iron radiators together in this latest video. If you are considering installing cast iron radiators in your home, this is worth watching.

22 September 2015

VIDEO - Installing a heated towel rail (timelapse)

James the plumber installs a heated towel rail in record time - or by using clever timelapse video techniques. Putting in a heated towel rail is a popular thing to do for your heating. See if this inspires you.

17 September 2015

VIDEO - How easy is it to move a radiator?

James the plumber takes a rad from one wall & fits it on another in this excellent step-by-step video guide. If you need to move a radiator to another wall in your room, make sure you watch this.

30 June 2015

VIDEO - Learn how to pipe a radiator

In this post, we look at how you can learn to pipe a radiator. This may be something you need to do with new radiators, so have a look at doing this with James the plumber. 

23 June 2015

VIDEO - Learn how to balance a vertical radiator

James the Plumber gives you the rundown on balancing a vertical radiator to make sure it's working properly. Take a look at this step-by-step video guide to learn how you can balance your radiators.

5 May 2015

VIDEO - How to hang a radiator on plasterboard

Hanging a radiator on plasterboard has never been easier, as James the plumber guides you through the process! Check out this video to find the answers to a common radiator conundrum! 

2 April 2015

VIDEO: How to install a Deco Stainless Steel Radiator

James the plumber goes through the process of installing a lovely polished stainless steel Deco designer radiator. Watching this video might just inspire you to want a radiator finished in stainless steel.

24 February 2015

VIDEO - How to Bleed a Radiator

In this video, James, the fully-qualified plumber, explains the reasons you might need to bleed a radiator, as well as taking you through the process step by step. Watch to see how to do this simple task now.

19 February 2015

VIDEO - Why adding inhibitor is beneficial to your heating system

In this video, James the plumber demonstrates just how important inhibitor is in keeping your central heating system running smoothly and efficiently by preventing a buildup of rust and radiator sludge.

7 August 2014

VIDEO - How to install a column radiator

James the plumber is back with a very detailed and educational video on how to fit a column radiator! Visit our website today to read more or browse through our column radiator range.

24 June 2014

VIDEO - How to add inhibitor to your pressurised central heating system

View our video on how to add inhibitor if you have a pressurised central heating system. James the plumber shows you how and why adding inhibitor is so important in keeping things running smoothly.

15 May 2014

VIDEO - How to add inhibitor to your heating system via a loft tank

An alternative method for getting heating inhibitor into your system is via the feed & expansion tank in your loft. James shows you how to to this simple task and explains why it's so beneficial to your system.

17 April 2014

VIDEO - How to add inhibitor to your heating system via a heated towel rail

Learn how to add inhibitor to your central heating system via a heated towel rail. James the plumber shows you exactly how to do it and why inhibitor works so well at protecting your heating system.

31 March 2014

VIDEO - How to change a thermostatic radiator valve

Video in which James the plumber takes you through the process of replacing an old thermostatic radiator valve. Watch this to see how easy it is to make the change yourself.

20 February 2014

VIDEO - How to bleed a heated towel rail

Video in which James the plumber takes you through the process of bleeding your heated towel rail. Watch to see how easy this task is and how it can make a difference to your heating system's efficiency.

1 February 2014

VIDEO - How to fix one radiator not working

Got one radiator that just won't get hot? James the plumber looks at the reasons why and how you can fix it. A game-changing video that can help you solve a common heating problem.

15 January 2014

VIDEO - How to balance your heating system

Making sure all of your radiators are equally warm is important to keep your heating running smoothly. James the plumber shows you how to balance your heating system and keep it running smoothly.

28 November 2013

VIDEO - How do thermostatic radiator valves work?

Another great video from James the Plumber telling you all you need to know about thermostatic radiator valves. If you don't really understand how TRVs work, then make sure to watch this video!

1 November 2013

VIDEO - How to install a heated towel rail

James the plumber takes you through the process of installing a curved chrome heated towel rail into one of the bathrooms of a Trade Radiators customer. See if it inspired you to have a go!