Top 5 Common Radiator Problems & Issues

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We all face those moments where our household appliances appear to be working against us. Radiators are often the main culprit! The pipes, the water, the panic! Have no fear, we have broken down the 5 most common radiator problems and issues with some handy tips and resolutions, so you can get your household back to normal, as soon as possible.

Leaking Radiators

Leaking can be one of the most common problems you might face. The leak itself is often the result of leaky faucets, but it is not uncommon to have leaks in the radiator itself too. The coolant continually running from your radiator to your hot, running engine and back again creates a lot of pressure. This pressure can potentially build up, and the faucet will either degrade or come loose, allowing coolant to escape the system, which will ultimately lead to overheating. The solution here is to clean your radiator regularly.

Rusting

You may not notice this going on, but a radiator rusting internally can be a huge problem. Oxygenation causes rusting, which can result in damage to your radiator, such as holes, resulting in it malfunctioning. If you are concerned your radiator is rusting, it is advised to seek professional help from a plumber immediately.

Air Trapped in The Radiator

We’ve all heard of “bleeding” a radiator, the process of letting air out once the radiator stops emitting heat as it usually would.  This is observed due to cold patches at the top or bottom of the radiator. In some cases, your radiator may begin making noise, usually making a hissing sound. This is easily fixed though fortunately. As it is often due to trapped air in the radiator, a quick radiator bleed from the vent should release the air and allow the hot water flow to get all the way through

Gunk/Sludge in Your Radiator

Sludge building up in your radiator can prove to be a major issue. This usually occurs due to corrosion and can be easily diagnosed by cold spots in the radiator. Unlike when there is air trapped in your radiator, these cold spots form at the bottom instead of the top. This is due to the metal deposits sinking, so it may well be a job for a professional as it will probably require a good flush through using a cleanser and inhibitor.

No Inhibitor.

The final issue worth noting that your radiator might experience is due to having no inhibitor. When there is no inhibitor fitted to the radiator, there can be some bigger issues that come with it. The corrosion if not treated properly, can cause leaks and deposits collecting in the boiler. It then can massively affect the heating in every room rather than just one.

If you are having serious issues with your radiator, it is probably best to not attempt to take the DIY route. Consult with a professional plumber and get the resolved fast. It will probably save you time, money, and mess in the long run.