Cast iron radiator with no bleed valve?

[Simon-7613]

Hello, I’m hoping I can get some advice from those knowledgeable with this type of radiator. I want to bleed several of these but I cannot find a bleed valve anywhere on it, I almost believe that there isn’t one fitted, but I’ve heard all rads should have them.

I’ve included some photos showing the fittings:

Any ideas how I can bleed this?



Thank you!

 

[Robert Bell]

These sometimes have one built into the walls of the rad. Check between the sections on both sides.

 

[Simon-7613]

Thanks, have just checked and definitely nothing in or attached to the wall.

If this rad doesn't have one, can this be bled by slowly loosening the large brass nut that connects the pipe to the radiator? (see the photo of top-right)

 

[Robert Bell]

I’ve just noticed which way it’s plumbed. Technically it shouldn’t require bleeding.

 

[king of pipes]

These can be drilled and tapped to receive a 1/8 BSP air tapping, air will be trapped in there how ever they are piped you could break the valve nut but it's a messy job doing it that way. Kop

 

[Robert Bell]

These can be drilled and tapped to receive a 1/8 BSP air tapping, air will be trapped in there how ever they are piped you could break the valve nut but it's a messy job doing it that way. Kop

not for the faint hearted

 

[Stu-B]

You could always open the lower valve close the upper and crack the nut between the upper valve and the rad, that should get rid of most of the air.
I’d be reluctant the drill the rad, Murphy’s law comes into play here 🤪

 

[Stigster]

As Stu suggests, bleed through the nut which connects the top valve to the radiator. Absent a proper bleed vent, that's really the only way.

 

[Simon-7613]

Thanks for the suggestions, appreciated

 

[king of pipes]

not for the faint hearted

Piece of cake if you have the correct drill and tap and wrench , 1/8 airtaps are readily available . Kop
Bes have them

 

[centralheatking]

Thanks for the suggestions, appreciated

You might put an aav adjacent to the radiators in a discreet place adjacent to the top return. I always thought that the old system of bottom and top connections was usually hooked up at opposite ends of the rads ....centralheatking

 

[king of pipes]

You might put an aav adjacent to the radiators in a discreet place adjacent to the top return. I always thought that the old system of bottom and top connections was usually hooked up at opposite ends of the rads ..centralheatking

Correct CHK top and bottom opposite end the norm commercially schools, hospitals and the like . Cheers Kop

 

[centralheatking]

Correct CHK top and bottom opposite end the norm commercially schools, hospitals and the like . Cheers Kop

So with the correct set up then the rads might well push the air/hydrogen on to a well placed aav. We used to do hospital jobs, heating and medi gas ..O2 and Vac. tight spec but they paid for it. happy days. chking