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One of the most common call-outs for plumbers in Dublin is to bleed an oil-fired boiler. However, if you are confident and prepared you can do this task yourself.
By following the series of simple steps it means you can undertake this, without the need for an expensive visit.
The first of these is to turn off the boiler before starting, then:
Step 1
Find the bleed screw. It is usually near where the fuel line comes into the pump. On most oil fired central heating systems boilers it is a small, nipple-like, screw.
Step 2
Put a bucket or pan under the bleed screw to catch any fuel that may spill as you bleed. If there is not space for a bucket a foil tray will do. Alternatively you can put tubing over the bleed screw to drain to a bucket.
Step 3
Using a small wrench (crescent) or pliers slightly loosen the bleed screw, but be careful to only slightly loosen the screw as you don’t want it to drop and be lost in the oil.
Step 4
Push the restart button on the boiler. As the furnace begins it will suck fuel in and air and fuel will begin to come out of the bleed screw.
Step 5
Keep your wrench/pliers ready to tighten it when the sputtering of air and fuel ends. It may take a number of attempts. If the furnace cycle ends before the sputtering stops hit the reset button again. Some central heating systems may prevent more than two or three attempts. If that happens just hold the reset button in for several seconds to restart the process.
Step 6
As soon as the sputtering stops and a flow of fuel is coming out of the bleed screw tighten the screw. Make sure not to over-tighten as this will strip the screw, making for an expensive job to replace it.
Step 7
Let your furnace run as it should be fine now. If it fails to restart repeat the above steps.
However, if all this fails it may be more air in the system than can be dealt with, or other blockages are present. If that’s the case you probably need a boiler service and getting a good, qualified plumber in Dublin is essential when having repair work done on heating systems for homes.
If you need plumbing or heating specialist, we are always here to help. Contact us today!
