By AJ, certified Gas Safe engineer and lead plumber at 247 Emergency Plumbers Edinburgh · Checked
Most radiator problems come down to air, sludge, a stuck valve or a leak. Start with where the radiator is cold, or what it is doing, then follow the safe checks. If it still is not right, call 0131 210 0505 any time in Edinburgh.
Quick guide: cold at the top means air (bleed it). Cold at the bottom means sludge (needs flushing). Cold all over while others are hot usually means a stuck valve.
These are the checks we suggest without an engineer. Never open the boiler casing.
Heating off first: turn the heating off and let radiators cool before you bleed them or touch a valve. The water can scald.
Feel the radiator: with the heating on, note whether it is cold at the top, the bottom or all over. That tells you which page above to use.
Valves open: check the thermostatic valve is turned up and the lockshield at the other end is not closed.
Bleed: open the bleed valve slightly with a radiator key, catch the water and close it when water flows steadily.
Pressure: after bleeding, check the boiler gauge shows about 1 to 1.5 bar when cold, and top up as your manual shows. Low boiler pressure guide →
Radiator still cold or leaking? We can sort it.
Our callout is from £75 in standard hours (out of hours £100–£180) for attendance and diagnosis. Repair labour and any parts are agreed with you before work starts.
Every heating system is different. This page is general guidance, not a diagnosis.
YOUR QUESTIONS, ANSWERED
Helpful answers before you call.
Why is my radiator cold at the top but hot at the bottom?
Trapped air. Turn the heating off, let it cool and bleed the radiator with a radiator key, then check the boiler pressure.
Why is my radiator cold at the bottom but hot at the top?
Usually sludge settled at the bottom of the radiator. Bleeding will not fix it; the radiator or system needs flushing by a heating engineer.
How much does a radiator repair cost in Edinburgh?
Our callout is from £75 in standard hours for attendance and diagnosis. Repair labour and parts are agreed with you before work starts.
DAYTIME BOOKING REQUESTS · 7AM–7PM
Prefer to book on WhatsApp?
WhatsApp booking requests are for weekday daytime visits, Monday to Friday within 7am–7pm, Edinburgh local time. One same-day slot is offered each weekday, at least 3 hours ahead; for a same-day booking, call 0131 210 0505 to confirm.
Choose an available date and then a two-hour time window in the chat. Bookings are provisional until the plumber confirms. The work and price must be discussed and agreed before work starts. Online and WhatsApp bookings are not available at weekends: for a weekend or bank holiday visit, call 0131 210 0505 (out-of-hours pricing applies). Standard rates apply Monday to Friday, excluding bank holidays. Callout, labour, parts and materials are separate charges: agree all applicable charges before committing to a visit.
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