The electric radiator and the water radiator make it possible to distribute the heat in a hearth with two distinct methods. The electric radiator requires an electrical outlet in order to be powered while the water radiator is connected either by a water heater or by a heat pump.
In the event of a heating problem on water radiators, start by checking the number of radiators in your home that are no longer heating. If all the radiators in your home do not heat or no longer heat, you will need:
- check boiler pressure
- open the thermostatic valve
- bleed all radiators
- clear out sludge
On the other hand, if only one of the radiators in your home no longer heats, it will be necessary above all to check the adjustment elbow, before fully opening the thermostatic valve.
A water radiator that is no longer heating can be a significant concern, especially in the colder months. This article will address the potential reasons behind this issue and what you can do to troubleshoot the problem.
1. Air Trapped in the Radiator
One of the most common causes of a water radiator not heating up is trapped air. Air can get into the system and prevent the free flow of hot water, causing the radiator to cool down. If the radiator is warm at the bottom and cold at the top, this might be the issue. In this case, you will need to bleed your radiator to remove the air. Always remember to turn off your heating system before bleeding the radiator to prevent the risk of scalding.
2. Faulty Thermostat
A thermostat regulates the temperature in your home by controlling the flow of hot water to the radiators. If your radiator is not heating, it could be because of a faulty thermostat. You might need to replace it or get it fixed by a professional.
3. Blocked Pipes
Over time, mineral deposits and sludge can build up inside your radiator pipes, blocking the flow of hot water. If the radiator is cold at the bottom and hot at the top, this could indicate a blockage. A professional plumber can clean or flush your system to remove these blockages.
4. Broken Pump
The pump in a water radiator system is responsible for circulating hot water. If the pump is broken, the hot water won’t reach your radiators. If all your radiators are cold, this might be the issue. You will likely need to call a professional to replace or repair the pump.
5. System Imbalance
Sometimes, your heating system might be unbalanced, which means that some radiators heat up before others. This could cause some radiators to remain cold while others are hot. To fix this issue, you may need to balance your radiators, which involves adjusting the valves on each radiator to ensure an even distribution of hot water.
DRAIN ALL YOUR RADIATORS
If you’re having heat or noise issues on your radiator, there’s probably air inside. Then you need to clean the device.
- Switch off the boiler for a few minutes and wait until the radiator has cooled down. Then close the water inlet.
- Locate the outlet on the radiator: it’s at the top of the radiator and opposite the pipes.
- Turn the screw with a suitable screwdriver until air is expelled from the heatsink .
- At the same time, water will flow out; collect it in a container. Let the equivalent of a small glass flow so that the device is well ventilated.
- Reassemble the screw and check if you tightened it well.
- Then check the boiler pressure again.
If the water coming out is not clear, it is better to remove the silt.
CHECK ADJUSTING ELBOW
If all of your radiators are working properly, but one of them is not heating, it may be due to poor network balancing.
The adjusting bend allows you to close, drain and fill the radiator without stopping the entire installation. Usually it is located on one side of the radiator, at the bottom.
- First make sure that the control elbow is not closed, as this may prevent the cold water from being replaced with hot water.
- Turn off all radiators, except for the one that does not turn on.
- Run the unit until the unit is fully warmed up, then turn the heaters back on.
If your radiator is still not working, it might be because it needs to be bled.
Conclusion
If your water radiator is not heating, the problem could be anything from trapped air to a broken pump. While some issues can be resolved through simple procedures like bleeding the radiator, others might need professional intervention. Always remember to prioritize safety when dealing with your heating system, and don’t hesitate to call a professional if you’re unsure about anything. Regular maintenance can also go a long way in preventing such issues and ensuring your radiator functions efficiently.
