the house has natural gas radiator heat. I believe its hot water heat. Im not completly sure how to "bleed" them. the 2nd floor is alot colder than the 1st floor. I tried to bleed the 2nd floor radiators and all the air pressure would excape and no water would come out. There is also a tank mounted in the basement ceiling. It appears to be like a cylinder with a hose spicket coming out, any idea what this may be for?
* Any one know the reasons why the 2nd floor would be cold? (thought heat rises)
* Anyone know how to correctly "bleed" the system?
2007-12-13 00:31:15 · 6 answers · asked by Anonymous in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
how do i know how much water is in my system,, it sounds like my system is lacking water. also to bleed the system does it have to be as certain temp?
2007-12-13 00:54:08 · update #1
Sounds like you don't have enough water in your system. Trace the pipes back to where they connect to the water supply line to the house. There will be a valve in the supply line that you need to open while somebody else bleeds each radiator, starting with the ones on the first floor and working their way up to the second floor.
The tank in the ceiling of the basement is an expansion tank that provides a volume for the excess water to go as it expands from heating up. Ideally, it should be about three quarters full during normal operation of the heating system.
Once the radiators are properly bled, re-close that water supply valve.
2007-12-13 00:44:02 · answer #1 · answered by lunatic 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There are two possibilities as to the type of system
you might have with the info given.
1. Single pipe steam.
This will be marked by a single large valve at the
bottom of the radiator.
Possible problems:
a. The valve is not fully open.
b. The radiator has a thermostatic valve that should be open when the radiator is cold to allow steam to rise to fill and heat it.
These valves sometimes jam in the closed position.
They are easy to replace. (DIY).
2. Hydronic or hot water system.
This will be marked by two smaller pipes connected to opposite sides or levels of the radiator.
Possible problems:
a. Air in the system. (You state that "all the air would
escape and no water would come out"). - DIY
You may be bleeding faster than the system call fill.
Patience. Bleed, then wait, then bleed again and see
if you get more air. If you do keep bleeding until you get water.
b. There may be a zone valve for the second floor that is closed or malfunctioning.
The first is DIY, open the valve a bit.
The second is a job for a pro.
2007-12-13 14:02:02 · answer #2 · answered by Irv S 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Most systems have an automatic water feed valve that regulates the cold water pressure. It has a lever on top to bypass the pressure reducing valve and allows you to fill the system with regular water pressure. If you have one, lift the lever while you bleed the system. Start bleeding at the radiators closest to the boiler. .When you are done be sure to put the lever back down and reduce the pressure to normal. Most systems are 12 lbs (USA) with the boiler off and water cool. There is a filter screen in the valve that can be removed /cleaned or replaced. The filter gets clogged and won't allow the sytem to fill. The cylinder /Tank in the ceiling is an expansion tank. It needs to have some air in it. After time the water actually absorbs the air and the tank completely fills with water. You need to periodically drain the tank . there should be a valve from the boiler to the tank. Close this valve, drain the waater from the tank, and allow air to fill the tank. Close the drain valve and open the valve to the boiler. Again if the Auto fill valve isn't working, it will take forever to fill the system.
2007-12-13 16:35:48 · answer #3 · answered by Bobo 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you are having air come out and no water, first make sure it is a hot water radiator and not steam. Does it have a steam valve that whistles when the heat is runnin? If so, do not bleed.
If it doesnt have a whistle, loosen the little nut near the top and let ALL the air out...until water trickles out. The air rises to the top, so that could be why you have so little heat upstairs. You need to do this to all the radiators.
Also, you need to check to see if there is enough water in the system. You do this at the furnace, but I'm not sure exactly how, sorry. My Dad used to do that.
You will eventually love the bang-bang of the radiators expanding with the hot water, it's a cozy sound.
2007-12-13 08:43:30 · answer #4 · answered by cathythecook 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it has an air lock in the pipes, keep bleeding them until all the air has escaped and the water flows out also make sure the floor above has insulation, you might have a lot of heat loss through the ceiling
2007-12-13 08:47:47 · answer #5 · answered by murphyslaw 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
when u bleed the system turn off the pump that pumps water to the baseboards.when all the air is out than turn pump back on.
2007-12-13 12:16:34 · answer #6 · answered by john c 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋