When winter arrives in North Yorkshire, your radiators become essential for keeping your home comfortable. But what if they don’t seem to be heating as well as they should? Cold patches, slow-heating radiators and unusual noises are some of the most common winter issues we see in homes across Scarborough and the surrounding areas.
The good news is that most radiator problems have straightforward causes, and some can be checked (or even resolved) before you need to call a professional.
Here are the main reasons your radiators may not be heating properly and what you can do before booking a plumber.
This is the most common cause of poor radiator performance.
If your radiator feels warm at the bottom but cold at the top, or you hear bubbling or gurgling sounds, there is probably air trapped inside the system.
When the heating is used frequently (particularly in colder months), air can build up inside the pipes and radiators.
Bleeding your radiator is simple:
Turn off your heating.
Use a radiator key to slowly open the valve at the top.
Allow the trapped air to escape until water begins to appear.
Close the valve and restart your heating.
Check your boiler pressure afterwards and top up if necessary.
If the issue keeps returning, it could indicate a small leak, incorrect pressure or a sludge issue. In that case, we can take a look for you.
This is extremely common in older homes across Scarborough, Filey, Bridlington and coastal areas where mineral content in the water is slightly higher.
If your radiator is warm at the top but cold or cool at the bottom, or if it heats very slowly, sludge is a likely cause.
Sludge is a mixture of rust, dirt and debris that settles at the base of radiators. Over time, it prevents hot water from circulating properly. This makes your boiler work harder, increases heating bills and reduces heat output.
Sludge requires a professional flush. Supreme Plumbing & Heating are on hand day or night.
These services restore full heat output and improve boiler efficiency.
If all radiators feel lukewarm, your boiler pressure may be too low.
Signs of low pressure include:
a pressure gauge below 1 bar
slow-to-heat radiators
a boiler that switches itself off
Check the pressure gauge and top it up using the filling loop if it is low.
However, if pressure continues to drop, this could mean a leak or a faulty component inside the boiler, which will need professional attention.
Thermostatic Radiator Valves (TRVs) can seize when they are unused for long periods, particularly after spring and summer.
You may notice:
One radiator staying completely cold
TRV that won’t turn or spins too freely
Uneven heating between rooms
You can gently tap the valve or check whether the pin is stuck. If the valve is faulty, it will need replacing. We can do this quickly and safely.
If radiators closest to the boiler heat up quickly but those further away heat slowly or stay cold, your system may be unbalanced.
This means that hot water is not being distributed evenly.
Balancing involves adjusting the valves on each radiator to ensure all rooms receive the correct amount of heat. This is a small job with a noticeable impact on warmth and overall efficiency.
It is time to call a professional if:
Multiple radiators remain cold
You hear loud banging or knocking in the system
Bleeding doesn’t help
Radiators heat unevenly around the home
Boiler pressure continues to drop
You suspect sludge or a blockage
Most heating issues can be diagnosed quickly with the right tools.
Supreme Plumbing & Heating are trusted heating specialists serving Scarborough, Eastfield, Filey, Newby, Scalby, Seamer, Cayton and the entire Yorkshire Coast.
Our services include:
Radiator repairs
System balancing
Bleeding and valve replacement
System flushing
Full winter heating checks
Boiler servicing and maintenance
You can call us for fast local support or book directly on our website.
Call today on 01723 643009
