Radiator not working check in Exeter
Professional radiator not working check services in Exeter and surrounding areas. Local, reliable handyman - no job too small.
Price Guide
£60-85
Typical Duration
30-45 mins
Location
Exeter, Devon
Radiator not heating up? I'll find out why - air lock, stuck valve, sludge, or something else - and fix it on the spot if I can. Most cold radiator issues are simple once you know what you're looking for.
One Cold Radiator? Don't Panic
Heating's on, but that radiator's stone cold? Before you call a heating engineer and spend hundreds, let me check it. Most radiator problems are simple fixes that take minutes, not hours.
💡 Pro tip: A single cold radiator is usually a problem with that radiator only, not your whole heating system. Save yourself a fortune in unnecessary repairs.
What I Check
🔧 The Full Investigation
| Problem | How To Spot It | The Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Trapped air | Cold at top, warm at bottom | Bleed it - takes 30 seconds |
| Sludge buildup | Cold at bottom, warm at top | Flush or replace - your choice |
| Stuck valve | Completely cold, valve feels stuck | Free it up or replace head |
| Wrong setting | TRV on wrong number or off | Show you the settings |
Why It's Worth Getting Fixed
A cold radiator means:
- ❌ That room's freezing
- ❌ Your heating's running but wasting energy
- ❌ The problem will get worse over time
- ✅ A quick fix now saves bigger bills later
Pricing Guide
| What's Wrong | Time Needed | You'll Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Simple bleed or adjust | 30 mins | £60 |
| Stuck valve fix | 45 mins | £85 |
| Need parts + return visit | Quote separately | From £60 + parts |
Based on £60 minimum (first hour) + £50/hr after.
Perfect For Your Problem If...
✅ One radiator's cold while the rest work fine
✅ It used to work but gradually got worse
✅ Top or bottom cold - clear sign of air or sludge
✅ Thermostatic valve seems stuck on one setting
Why Choose Us for Radiator not working check in Exeter?
Quick diagnosis of the problem
Most issues fixed on the same visit
No heating engineer callout needed
Honest advice on whether it's worth fixing
What to Expect
Step 1: Investigation
I run your heating and check the radiator - which bits are warm, which are cold, how the valves feel. Takes a few minutes to diagnose.
Step 2: Test & Fix
Most problems I can fix on the spot. Bleed the air, free up the valve, or replace a TRV head if needed. You'll feel it start warming up.
Step 3: Explain
I'll show you what was wrong and what I did. If it needs more work (like a system flush), I'll explain why and quote honestly.
🔧 DIY Tips
Fancy trying yourself first? Here's what to check:
🔧 For a radiator cold at the top
- Turn heating on full
- Find the bleed valve (small square nut at top corner)
- Use a radiator key (£1 from any hardware shop)
- Turn anti-clockwise slowly until you hear hissing
- When water starts dripping, close it tight
- Check pressure gauge on boiler - top up if needed
⚠️ Common mistakes
- Opening the bleed valve too far (water everywhere)
- Bleeding with the heating off (doesn't work properly)
- Forgetting to check boiler pressure after bleeding
🔧 For a stuck thermostatic valve
- Turn the TRV to maximum
- Take the head off (usually twists or has a clip)
- You'll see a pin - try pushing it in gently
- If it's stuck, spray with WD40 and work it back and forth
- Replace the head and test
💡 Pro trick: Before calling anyone, take a photo of your radiator showing the valves clearly. Send it when you book - I can often tell you what's wrong and come prepared with the right parts.
Rather leave it to a pro? No problem - that's what I'm here for. Give me a call.
Good to Know
🎨 Got several cold radiators? Tell me when you book - probably worth checking them all while I'm there. Saves you multiple callouts.
Old house with original radiators? Common in Exeter's Victorian properties. They're fixable, but sometimes the valves are seized solid. I'll be honest if replacement makes more sense.
Whole system cold? That's a different issue - likely your boiler, pump, or thermostat. I can check the basics, but you might need a heating engineer for diagnosis.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common reasons a radiator won't heat up?
Usually it's air trapped at the top (cold at top, warm at bottom), sludge blocking the system (cold at bottom, warm at top), or a stuck thermostatic valve. I can diagnose which it is in minutes and usually fix it on the spot.
Will you be able to fix it while you're there?
About 80% of the time, yes. Bleeding air out takes seconds, freeing up stuck valves takes minutes, and I carry basic parts. If it's a bigger issue like a blocked system needing flushing, I'll explain what's needed and quote separately.
My radiator's cold but the rest of the house heats fine - what's wrong?
That's almost always a problem with that specific radiator rather than your whole system. Either the valve's stuck shut, air's trapped, or it's got sludge in the bottom. All fixable without calling a heating engineer for hundreds of pounds.
Can you do this with the heating on?
Yes - actually I need the heating on to diagnose properly. I need to feel what's warm and what's cold. The system stays on the whole time unless we need to drain that specific radiator.
What if it needs parts you haven't got?
I'll let you know what's needed and the cost. For common parts (bleed valves, TRV heads) I can usually grab them from the merchant and be back within the hour if you want it fixed today. For anything else, I'll quote and come back.
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Got multiple jobs?
Make the most of your first hour - I can often tackle several small tasks in one visit. List everything you need done when you call!
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