Bleed a radiator and check boiler pressure

Use this guide when a radiator is warm at the bottom but cold at the top, or you hear gurgling in the pipes. You will need a radiator key, an old cloth or towel, a small container and your boiler manual.

Step by step

1. Turn the heating off and let it cool

   Switch the central heating off and wait until the radiators are cool to the touch. Hot water can spray out and scald, and a running pump can draw air into the system. This usually takes around half an hour.