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Why is my radiator not working? It could be your smart thermostat

A wireless smart thermostat can help you find the problem with your radiator before it gets worse.

Smart thermostat
Image: Tado


Having radiators with wireless smart thermostats that don’t heat up might become a serious problem when the temperature outside drops.

What can you do if your radiator breaks in the thick of winter to keep your home warm?

Most of the time, a simple issue that can be fixed quickly is at the root of radiator difficulties.

Some common problems with radiators that might suggest not working properly have been highlighted.

Defected radiators

Radiator on wall
Image: Pexels

Before performing any further repairs, you should verify that your radiators are not leaking.

It doesn’t matter what caused the leak, it can reduce boiler pressure and drain warm water from the central heating system, reducing the efficiency with which the boiler heats your home.

Leaks, and the severity of any leaks, should be checked regularly.

Problems with plumbing and mechanical systems

There are two methods for fixing leaks, each appropriate for varying degrees of water damage.

It is common knowledge that if you use a substantial piece of cloth or some other method to wrap firmly around a little fracture or rupture, the repair will last very long.

If the pipe system has been damaged to a level that a layperson cannot recognize or fix, a professional gas-safe engineer may be required.

When a leak forces the replacement of a section of pipe, a radiator, or even the boiler itself, it’s best to call in a heating professional for help.

Can it be fixed, and if so, how?

Fixing leaks is essential for keeping the water pressure and temperature consistent.

Do not try to repair a pipe on your own unless you are a trained professional; instead, call a gas-safe engineer and turn off the heat.

Radiator obstructions

board on top of radiator
Image; Unsplash

If the radiator isn’t heating, check the top and bottom to determine if it’s colder. It is possible for a radiator to lose heat if the water at the base of the unit cools due to a clog in the pipes.

How to fix cold radiators depends on what’s stopping the system from operating and where you found the problem.

It’s conceivable that a pipe has become clogged if the radiator is cold on both the top and the bottom.

If only a small area of the radiator is cold, then it probably has some debris blocking a section of the flow of hot water.

Air pressure locked in the radiator

The presence of air presents unique difficulties when working with heat exchangers. You may bleed the radiator valve of extra air and fix the problem on your own with the help of a radiator key.

As soon as the hot water has been injected, the valves can be re-sealed to prevent further water loss. All valves must be properly closed to prevent water from leaking out.

Turning off the boiler is an important safety measure before removing the radiator valves.

What can be done to repair it?

When trying to bleed a radiator valve, it’s important to remember that water may still be present in the radiator even if the boiler is turned off.

After clearing a blockage in a radiator, the system may still contain some cold water, so you may need to mop up any spills after opening a valve.

Modifying a thermostatic radiator valve, which uses a different pin system, may need a unique approach.

Reading the instructions may be a good idea if you’re unfamiliar with the pin system and have never used it before. Any item may benefit from the assistance of others.

It might be tedious to look for air quality issues, but it’s not always necessary.

While bleeding, the radiator may be used as a diagnostic tool and corrective measure. Doing so without determining that excess air is the issue is not harmful.

Sludge

Radiator close-up
Image: Unsplash

An overheated system results from sludge in the radiator caused by water particles. This issue is more challenging to resolve since it calls for the expertise of a heating technician.

Depending on how many radiators there are, draining the system with professional pumping equipment might take as long as half a day.

Not only can we not use a valve here, but doing so risks jamming the system.

What can be done to repair it?

Don’t try to deal with sludge without the help of a professional.

Do not risk your life by doing boiler or pipeline maintenance alone (particularly if you do not have gas-safe engineer certification).

If you can’t reassemble the boiler properly, you might do irreparable damage to it.

Final words

Tado Smart thermostat on table
Image; Tado

Those are only some of the most common reasons for a broken radiator. Perhaps you’ve identified the source of the problem with your radiators in the wireless smart thermostat.

You should always see an expert if you have doubts about the nature of the problem or your capacity to resolve it. Tado will give a secure and efficient solution, allowing you to relax.

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