Mend > Plumbing

Is it possible to bleed a radiator without the bleed screw?

I have a radiator upstairs which has a brass bleed screw at the back which is totally rounded off (previous owner). It is impossible to move with a pair of pliars and I have tried filing it back to a square end but its so soft i still cant get an adjustable spanner to move it without rounded it off. is there a method i can use to refill the system which might move the air either out of that radiator or move it to another one where i can bleed it? I am thinking along the lines of refilling the system in a certain order or shutting all of them off except the duff one and letting that fill up and then shutting that one off and refilling the rest. Is this possible?

Stewart
January 2008

D.I.Y, Plumbing Bleed Bleed Screw

Well i tried turning the bleed screw in to a flat blade screw by sawing a notch in it but as i suspected i ended shearing one side when i tried to unscrew it so really broken now. i did previously try long nose pliers and mole grips but shredded it rather than turned it. i have now bought a new radiator which is a pain to fit.

Stewart
January 2008

You can drill a hole on the rad and put a self tapping screw in the hole. Refill the system unscrew self tapper let air out, tighten screw up. This is done as an emergency measure to give heat in the rad, a new rad would then be fitted ASAP.

Justin
January 2008

Try putting a groove in so you can get a flat blade screwdriver on it.It's not easy but it's worked for me before.I used a nail file,total pain in the a*se!

Graeme Smith
January 2008

hi,had same problem with sister-inlaws rad i used a pair of pin nosed pliers & a great deal of pressure on these to undo & retighten this little blitter hope this help's

steray
January 2008

Yes it is possible. I am answering according to the ones I am familiar with. Your radiator may differ, but there should still be a similar method.
At the other side of the radiator you should see a hexagonal shaped inset. The correct size allen key should do the trick.

Dave
January 2008