If your radiators are staying cold, heating unevenly, or taking a long time to warm up, your heating system may not be working as efficiently as it should. This is a very common issue in homes across Weston-super-Mare, Worle, Clevedon, Portishead and nearby North Somerset areas, especially during winter or after a boiler pressure drop.
The good news? Many radiator performance issues can be diagnosed and fixed without replacing the entire heating system.
This guide explains:
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Why radiators stop heating properly
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How to diagnose the issue yourself
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When a heating flush is needed
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When to call a professional
Common Radiator Heating Problems (and What They Mean)
1. Radiators Cold at the Top
This is usually caused by trapped air in the radiator.
Fix:
Bleed the radiator using a radiator key.
If the system keeps taking in air, you may have:
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A faulty auto air vent
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Or pressure imbalance
(These require professional diagnosis.)
2. Radiators Cold at the Bottom
This indicates sludge buildup — a mix of rust and sediment collecting in the system.
Fix:
The system may need:
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A radiator flush
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Or a full system flush
Depending on the severity.
Sludge restricts flow and reduces heating efficiency.
3. Only Some Radiators Heat Up
This usually means:
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System balancing is required
(or) -
A stuck TRV (thermostatic radiator valve)
Balancing ensures hot water circulates evenly across all radiators.
4. Boiler Keeps Losing Pressure
If the system loses pressure, radiators may not heat properly.
This often indicates:
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A small leak in the heating system
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A failing expansion vessel
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A PRV drip
This should be assessed professionally.
Do You Need a Radiator Flush?
A radiator or system flush:
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Removes sludge + debris
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Restores circulation
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Improves heat output
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Reduces boiler strain
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Lowers energy usage
Signs a Flush is Needed:
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Radiators cold at the bottom
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Noisy pipes or boiler
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Dirty water when bleeding radiators
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System slow to warm up
Flushing is especially beneficial before winter.
Preventing Future Heating Issues
Once clean, adding inhibitor chemicals protects your heating system from rust and corrosion.
Optional upgrades:
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Magnetic filter install (highly recommended)
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TRV valve replacement
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Balancing adjustments for even heating
These help extend the life of your boiler and radiators.
Areas We Cover
Professional radiator servicing, power flushing and heating system repairs across:
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Weston-super-Mare
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Worle
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Clevedon
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Portishead
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Nailsea, Yatton, Congresbury
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Banwell, Winscombe & Cheddar
Local, reliable and tidy work.
Book Radiator Repairs or a System Flush
If your radiators aren’t heating as they should, we can assess the system and recommend the most cost-effective solution.
📞 Phone: 07453 304504
📧 Email: matt@teddytailsplumbing.co.uk
📍 Based in: Weston-super-Mare, servicing all North Somerset
Better heat. Lower bills. Longer system life.