Radiator Not Heating Up? Causes, Fixes and When to Call
One cold radiator or a whole system that will not warm up? Here is what each symptom means, what you can safely try yourself, and when it needs a plumber.
Cold at the top: trapped air
If a radiator is hot at the bottom but cold at the top, air is trapped inside. Bleeding it with a radiator key releases the air so hot water can fill the whole panel. Keep a cloth handy and turn the key only until water starts to escape.
If you are bleeding radiators often, air is getting into the system somewhere — worth having checked, as it usually points to another issue.
Cold at the bottom: sludge
A radiator that is warm at the top but cold along the bottom usually has sludge (corrosion debris) settled inside. Bleeding will not fix this. In mild cases the radiator can be flushed; across a whole system, a power flush restores circulation and efficiency.
One cold radiator or the whole system
If a single radiator stays cold while others are fine, the valve or TRV may be stuck — sometimes freeing the pin fixes it. If every radiator is cold but the boiler runs, the problem is usually the pump, a motorised valve or system balancing, which a plumber can diagnose quickly.
Vasi is a gentleman. I had a boiler problem at the weekend and was struggling to find someone to fix it. Vasi did a video call with me and the problem was resolved very quickly. I would highly recommend him.
Super Mac3 months ago
Arrived within 45m of call on a Sunday. Toilet stopcock broke and I was on the verge of flooding in my new apartment. Absolute hero Vasy!
Vasile Craciun3 months ago
He come under 30 minutes in D16. Vasi sow the leak and fixed the problem. Very quickly and professional. recommend for sure 10/10
MacDara Kelly4 months ago
Quick and great service even late at the weekend
Paul Gartland4 months ago
Excellent jobs from these guys. We had a major blockage and they managed to find the issue straight away. Left everything clean and tidy when they left. Couldn't recommend enough
Dinu Ulc4 months ago
He com under 30 minutes for a call out to diagnose the problem.
Steve Gunn4 months ago
Very happy with this business great to deal with and went above and beyond.
Andrew Schwartz5 months ago
The plumbers did an excellent job. They were on time, were able to provide a price quote and clearly explain everything they were going to do. Everything worked out well and I'd happily work with them again.
David Clarke6 months ago
Very quick to reply and sort out my boiler issues. Thanks Vasile
Marion Covic7 months ago
Guys fixed a leak in a blink of a second. Fast and reliable, would recomend!
mario franciskovic8 months ago
Very reliable and punctual. Fairly pleased, recommend to everyone.
Patricia Buchalter8 months ago
On Xmas eve I turned on my shower and couldn't turn it off. The water was thundering out and all the mirrors and windows in the house steamed up. I called the number and immediately heard back. He asked me to send some photos of the shower and then talked me through the process - of how to fix. While it wasn't complicated, it was Xmas eve and he could have been out celebrating rather than spending his time on phone to me. And when I asked what I owed him he showed real Xmas spirit and wouldn't charge! I would have been happy to have paid for his calm and expertise but appreciate the lovely gesture. Thank you from saving me from disaster and I would recommend in a second. Service like this is rare.
Merjem Duran8 months ago
Vasi was so helpful!!!, answered our call at 1am on Christmas Eve with a leak in our water boiler, talked us through steps to take, amazing service especially late night/early morning on a holiday!!
Michael CorcoranLocal Guide · 8 months ago
The guys did a great job for me at short notice. Highly recommend them.
Martin Gallagher9 months ago
On a recent Saturday morning, my heating suffered complete failure. I found Vasile Doca by chance. He arrived 30 Mins after my phone call, promptly assessed the situation and managed to get my system working assuring me that he would return after the weekend with the necessary parts. Vasile and his brother arrived as promised and working diligently from 9.30am to 7pm, without a break, to resolve a major issue. I highly recommend this company for their professionalism and commitment, I will certainly use them again and have already recommended them to several people. Five stars well earned.
Rachel MahalLocal Guide · 9 months ago
Outstanding service from Local Plumber Dublin! Fast response, clear communication, and top-quality workmanship from start to finish. The plumber arrived on time, quickly identified the issue, and fixed it efficiently with no mess left behind. Pricing was fair and transparent, and the whole experience was stress-free. Highly reliable and professional — I wouldn't hesitate to recommend them to anyone needing a trustworthy plumber in Dublin.
Seán Travers9 months ago
Woke up in the morning to find a cracked toilet cistern leaking water all over the floor. I gave these guys a call that morning and they came out on the same day, providing me with a new cistern and fully repairing the toilet. They were one of the few plumbing services that were able to sort out my emergency situation on that day! Wonderful work from all involved!
Niall Conneely9 months ago
Vasi came out late on a Sunday night to address a leak. He was quickly onsite and diagnosed the issues plumbing quickly. Recommended.
Sean Duffy9 months ago
Great job. Happy to recommend. Will be saving his number for the future. Thanks
Jennifer Mccormack9 months ago
Great service, needed a toilet fixed on a Sunday and they were over and sorted it out within hours. Highly recommend
Mathew Abraham9 months ago
I called Vasi and explained about the water leaking from the water pump. He came to me and found the problem. Also assured to solve it. I would definitely recommend him and would contact again..
Aidan AhernLocal Guide · 9 months ago
I needed a plumber at short notice. These guys were really helpful! They were able to call out the same day and fix the issue on the spot. Really smooth experience and the whole job only took about an hour. Delighted with the service, efficiency and quality! Great to a have a local, reliable plumber in Fairview! Aidan
Gavin Dowd9 months ago
Great service, good callout times
Caitriona Murraya month ago
Vasi is a gentleman. I had a boiler problem at the weekend and was struggling to find someone to fix it. Vasi did a video call with me and the problem was resolved very quickly. I would highly recommend him.
Super Mac3 months ago
Arrived within 45m of call on a Sunday. Toilet stopcock broke and I was on the verge of flooding in my new apartment. Absolute hero Vasy!
Vasile Craciun3 months ago
He come under 30 minutes in D16. Vasi sow the leak and fixed the problem. Very quickly and professional. recommend for sure 10/10
MacDara Kelly4 months ago
Quick and great service even late at the weekend
Paul Gartland4 months ago
Excellent jobs from these guys. We had a major blockage and they managed to find the issue straight away. Left everything clean and tidy when they left. Couldn't recommend enough
Dinu Ulc4 months ago
He com under 30 minutes for a call out to diagnose the problem.
Steve Gunn4 months ago
Very happy with this business great to deal with and went above and beyond.
Andrew Schwartz5 months ago
The plumbers did an excellent job. They were on time, were able to provide a price quote and clearly explain everything they were going to do. Everything worked out well and I'd happily work with them again.
David Clarke6 months ago
Very quick to reply and sort out my boiler issues. Thanks Vasile
Marion Covic7 months ago
Guys fixed a leak in a blink of a second. Fast and reliable, would recomend!
mario franciskovic8 months ago
Very reliable and punctual. Fairly pleased, recommend to everyone.
Patricia Buchalter8 months ago
On Xmas eve I turned on my shower and couldn't turn it off. The water was thundering out and all the mirrors and windows in the house steamed up. I called the number and immediately heard back. He asked me to send some photos of the shower and then talked me through the process - of how to fix. While it wasn't complicated, it was Xmas eve and he could have been out celebrating rather than spending his time on phone to me. And when I asked what I owed him he showed real Xmas spirit and wouldn't charge! I would have been happy to have paid for his calm and expertise but appreciate the lovely gesture. Thank you from saving me from disaster and I would recommend in a second. Service like this is rare.
Merjem Duran8 months ago
Vasi was so helpful!!!, answered our call at 1am on Christmas Eve with a leak in our water boiler, talked us through steps to take, amazing service especially late night/early morning on a holiday!!
Michael CorcoranLocal Guide · 8 months ago
The guys did a great job for me at short notice. Highly recommend them.
Martin Gallagher9 months ago
On a recent Saturday morning, my heating suffered complete failure. I found Vasile Doca by chance. He arrived 30 Mins after my phone call, promptly assessed the situation and managed to get my system working assuring me that he would return after the weekend with the necessary parts. Vasile and his brother arrived as promised and working diligently from 9.30am to 7pm, without a break, to resolve a major issue. I highly recommend this company for their professionalism and commitment, I will certainly use them again and have already recommended them to several people. Five stars well earned.
Rachel MahalLocal Guide · 9 months ago
Outstanding service from Local Plumber Dublin! Fast response, clear communication, and top-quality workmanship from start to finish. The plumber arrived on time, quickly identified the issue, and fixed it efficiently with no mess left behind. Pricing was fair and transparent, and the whole experience was stress-free. Highly reliable and professional — I wouldn't hesitate to recommend them to anyone needing a trustworthy plumber in Dublin.
Seán Travers9 months ago
Woke up in the morning to find a cracked toilet cistern leaking water all over the floor. I gave these guys a call that morning and they came out on the same day, providing me with a new cistern and fully repairing the toilet. They were one of the few plumbing services that were able to sort out my emergency situation on that day! Wonderful work from all involved!
Niall Conneely9 months ago
Vasi came out late on a Sunday night to address a leak. He was quickly onsite and diagnosed the issues plumbing quickly. Recommended.
Sean Duffy9 months ago
Great job. Happy to recommend. Will be saving his number for the future. Thanks
Jennifer Mccormack9 months ago
Great service, needed a toilet fixed on a Sunday and they were over and sorted it out within hours. Highly recommend
Mathew Abraham9 months ago
I called Vasi and explained about the water leaking from the water pump. He came to me and found the problem. Also assured to solve it. I would definitely recommend him and would contact again..
Aidan AhernLocal Guide · 9 months ago
I needed a plumber at short notice. These guys were really helpful! They were able to call out the same day and fix the issue on the spot. Really smooth experience and the whole job only took about an hour. Delighted with the service, efficiency and quality! Great to a have a local, reliable plumber in Fairview! Aidan
Gavin Dowd9 months ago
Great service, good callout times
Sodiq Hameed9 months ago
They were quick to answer and got the job done same day. The service was good and got my radiator fixed asap!
Kirsten French10 months ago
Excellent service!
aideenkay110 months ago
Had a very positive experience. He came within 40 mins and fixed my leak. Highly recommend
Niall Flanagan10 months ago
Needed a plumber on a Saturday of a bank holiday. After trying many "24 hr" places, most of them telling me Monday or Tuesday. I finally got in touch with Vasi. He arrived within an hour. Assessed the problem. Had another job to go to, did that then purchased what he could for mine came back to mine and fixed it. He's wasn't 100% happy with the fitting of certain parts, due to slight difference in sizes. Came back the following Wednesday night, worked around my work schedule, and fixed everything. He's is methodical in the work he does. I can't recommend him HIGHLY Enough. Superb service. Will only ever use him again.
Lorna McGetrick11 months ago
Just had emergency call out from Vasi. Within 10 minutes of phone call, he arrived and had my boiler system re-pressurised within minutes. Excellent service. Very professional and friendly. Highly recommended.
James Flynn11 months ago
Speedy, efficient, friendly and good value. Definitely recommend this service.
sidney gates11 months ago
Lovely and responsive team, Vasi was very helpful! Recommend!
Sharon Cowley11 months ago
We had an emergency call out and got an excellent service, very fast, professional and to a high standard. Very happy to recommend.
林小燕11 months ago
Emergency call out Sunday afternoon, very professional
Stephen Lee11 months ago
Brilliant service. Called them at 5pm on a Sunday with an emergency and they were at my house within 40 mins. Managed to stop the leak and then came back at 9am the next morning to fix the issue permanently. Would highly recommend.
Eva Higgins11 months ago
We had an emergency and had to call Emergency Plumber Dublin 24/7 the guy was out within 30 minutes very professional and very clean job done we had a new bathroom sink & unit fitted our pipes were a mess and this guy fixed everything we are extremely happy with the new sink installed
Derek Fahy11 months ago
We had a blocked drain while on holiday. Family members meet with the plumbers who were excellent. I truly couldn't praise them enough for the speed of service professionalism and fair pricing. Would highly recommend and will definitely use again.
rose o'connor11 months ago
Highly recommend Vasi, emergency call out for a bathroom leak. He arrived very fast, excellent work, professional, pleasant and very helpful. Thank you
Theresa Gormana year ago
I contacted Vasi on a Sunday afternoon for an emergency leak in our toilet. He came straight from another job when he finished. Was there within the hour and had the issue fixed in a couple of hours even having to go off and get another part. Very pleasant to speak with and quick to reply to messages too. Would definitely recommend and would contact again.
Matthew Rosea year ago
Emergency call out, out in less than 30 mins, very professional
Fatima Warthana year ago
Very knowledgeable, came on a Sunday evening and assessed the problem quickly. Highly recommend
Reichi Skya year ago
Highly recommended! They came very quickly in my emergency leak accident. They fixed my pipe and also helped cleaning unused pipes to avoid future potential risks. Very good plumbers!
Tommy geraghtya year ago
Vassey is a genius guy and very professional. No job to big or job to small I had the pleasure of him doing work in my own house and absolutely no complaints. All you have to do is call and they answer. will try there very best to complete any problems straight away or the next best thing...thanks guys if always recommend them !!
Emma McKinleya year ago
Vasi is an efficient and experienced plumber who takes pride in fixing a problem. A pleasure to deal with and kept me posted on arrival time. I would highly recommend him.
Seshylola year ago
Perfect service !!!!
Lone Wolfa year ago
This guys are amazing super friendly and easy to talk to... the job was perfect...100 percent recommended...
Osmar FontesLocal Guide · a year ago
Excellent plumber, he came to my house and quickly fixed a problem with my kitchen sink. I recommend him ✅🏆
Sodiq Hameed9 months ago
They were quick to answer and got the job done same day. The service was good and got my radiator fixed asap!
Kirsten French10 months ago
Excellent service!
aideenkay110 months ago
Had a very positive experience. He came within 40 mins and fixed my leak. Highly recommend
Niall Flanagan10 months ago
Needed a plumber on a Saturday of a bank holiday. After trying many "24 hr" places, most of them telling me Monday or Tuesday. I finally got in touch with Vasi. He arrived within an hour. Assessed the problem. Had another job to go to, did that then purchased what he could for mine came back to mine and fixed it. He's wasn't 100% happy with the fitting of certain parts, due to slight difference in sizes. Came back the following Wednesday night, worked around my work schedule, and fixed everything. He's is methodical in the work he does. I can't recommend him HIGHLY Enough. Superb service. Will only ever use him again.
Lorna McGetrick11 months ago
Just had emergency call out from Vasi. Within 10 minutes of phone call, he arrived and had my boiler system re-pressurised within minutes. Excellent service. Very professional and friendly. Highly recommended.
James Flynn11 months ago
Speedy, efficient, friendly and good value. Definitely recommend this service.
sidney gates11 months ago
Lovely and responsive team, Vasi was very helpful! Recommend!
Sharon Cowley11 months ago
We had an emergency call out and got an excellent service, very fast, professional and to a high standard. Very happy to recommend.
林小燕11 months ago
Emergency call out Sunday afternoon, very professional
Stephen Lee11 months ago
Brilliant service. Called them at 5pm on a Sunday with an emergency and they were at my house within 40 mins. Managed to stop the leak and then came back at 9am the next morning to fix the issue permanently. Would highly recommend.
Eva Higgins11 months ago
We had an emergency and had to call Emergency Plumber Dublin 24/7 the guy was out within 30 minutes very professional and very clean job done we had a new bathroom sink & unit fitted our pipes were a mess and this guy fixed everything we are extremely happy with the new sink installed
Derek Fahy11 months ago
We had a blocked drain while on holiday. Family members meet with the plumbers who were excellent. I truly couldn't praise them enough for the speed of service professionalism and fair pricing. Would highly recommend and will definitely use again.
rose o'connor11 months ago
Highly recommend Vasi, emergency call out for a bathroom leak. He arrived very fast, excellent work, professional, pleasant and very helpful. Thank you
Theresa Gormana year ago
I contacted Vasi on a Sunday afternoon for an emergency leak in our toilet. He came straight from another job when he finished. Was there within the hour and had the issue fixed in a couple of hours even having to go off and get another part. Very pleasant to speak with and quick to reply to messages too. Would definitely recommend and would contact again.
Matthew Rosea year ago
Emergency call out, out in less than 30 mins, very professional
Fatima Warthana year ago
Very knowledgeable, came on a Sunday evening and assessed the problem quickly. Highly recommend
Reichi Skya year ago
Highly recommended! They came very quickly in my emergency leak accident. They fixed my pipe and also helped cleaning unused pipes to avoid future potential risks. Very good plumbers!
Tommy geraghtya year ago
Vassey is a genius guy and very professional. No job to big or job to small I had the pleasure of him doing work in my own house and absolutely no complaints. All you have to do is call and they answer. will try there very best to complete any problems straight away or the next best thing...thanks guys if always recommend them !!
Emma McKinleya year ago
Vasi is an efficient and experienced plumber who takes pride in fixing a problem. A pleasure to deal with and kept me posted on arrival time. I would highly recommend him.
Seshylola year ago
Perfect service !!!!
Lone Wolfa year ago
This guys are amazing super friendly and easy to talk to... the job was perfect...100 percent recommended...
Osmar FontesLocal Guide · a year ago
Excellent plumber, he came to my house and quickly fixed a problem with my kitchen sink. I recommend him ✅🏆
