When you notice your oil boiler isn’t functioning as efficiently as it should, it’s probably time to bleed the system. Then, oftentimes, you’ll question how to bleed an oil boiler. Perhaps you’ve never done it before, or it’s been a while since you have.
It mostly consists of carefully opening the valve and monitoring the flow of oil, and you can clear out any trapped air that’s disrupting your boiler’s performance. But it requires a little more detail than that; let’s break it down.
If in doubt, get it serviced
Despite it being fairly easy to do, If you’re unsure about how to bleed an oil boiler, you can always contact a local plumbing and heating specialist. Preferably, look for one with experience servicing common boilers like Grant oil boilers, Firebird, or ATAG.
How to bleed an oil boiler with a tiger loop
Traditional bleeding isn’t necessary. Tiger loops are a two-pipe system that self-purges any trapped air, meaning you don’t need to intervene manually.
However, if you’re experiencing issues with your oil boiler, like inefficiency or unusual noises, it could hint at other underlying problems not related to air in the system.
Your first step should be to check if your boiler needs servicing rather than bleeding.
If you’re unsure about the performance of your oil boiler or suspect that the issue may be more severe than just trapped air, it’s wise to call in a professional.
Attempting to manually bleed a system that incorporates a tiger loop could lead to further complications or damage.
Tools and Setup
Make sure you’ve got a wrench or an allen key, depending on your system. These will help you loosen and tighten the fittings on the bleed valve.
You’ll also need a small container to catch any oil that drips out during the bleeding process. Paper towels and rags at hand might also be handy to keep things clean and safe.
There may be a red button that will often be lit up on the front. Make sure the system is on and press the button. The boiler should start firing up.
A flashlight or good lighting is important as well; you’ll need to see clearly to work effectively and avoid any mistakes.
Bleed the line of your oil boiler
Locate the bleed valve, typically found on the burner’s pump. This is where you’ll need a container handy to catch any oil that dribbles out.
Once you’ve found the valve and have your tools ready, carefully open the bleed valve. You might need to loosen it slightly bit by bit.
There may be a red button that will often be lit up on the front. Make sure the system is on and press the button; the boiler should start firing up.
Oil and possibly air will start to sputter from the valve. Don’t worry; this is what you’re aiming for. It’s the trapped air escaping.
Keep an eye on the oil emerging from the bleed valve. You’re looking for a steady stream of oil without any sputtering bubbles.
Once you see this, it means most of the air has been expelled from the line. At this point, tighten the bleed valve back up with your tool.
Check it’s starting up
After successfully bleeding your oil boiler, double-check that it starts up properly. Once you’ve closed the bleed valve, make sure to reset the boiler system. This often involves hitting the reset button, typically located on the burner itself.
Don’t be alarmed if it doesn’t fire up immediately; it may take a moment for the fuel to reach the burner after bleeding.
You should hear the burner motor kick in, followed by the ignition of the fuel. Watch for a steady, blue flame that indicates the oil is burning efficiently. If the flame is yellow or inconsistent, or if you hear sputtering, there might still be air trapped in the line, or the burner might need cleaning.
Also, listen for any unusual noises like banging or clanking, which could suggest mechanical issues. If everything sounds and looks good, check the pressure gauge to verify the pressure is within the recommended range. It’s usually marked on the gauge face or documented in your boiler’s manual.
If the boiler doesn’t start after a couple of attempts, or if you notice anything odd, it might be wise to call a professional.
Enjoy the warmth of your oil boiler
Hopefully, at this point, all has gone well, and you can now bask in the cosy warmth radiating from your oil boiler. You’ve improved your home’s heating efficiency and learned how to bleed an oil boiler. Congrats!
For more money-saving tips, check out our other home blog posts here!
