Aladdin autovent | automatic radiator bleed valve

[@ultimatehandyman]

I hope everyone has a great Sunday. Please like, share and comment if you can as it really helps ;-)

[@fozlurrahman7052]

Ultimate Handyman I feel like buying one just because of the name.

[@GrahamF]

Beware! These auto vents only work properly in a scrupulously clean central heating system. If there's any debris at all (likely) it finds its way to the vent and quickly blocks the small vent orifice. Avoid.

[@ultimatehandyman]

Thanks for the comment

[@AT-ww6pj]

I fitted today and my rads still need bleeding, is this for a pressure system only? ours is gravity

[@ultimatehandyman]

It should work on a gravity system, the FAQ is here- aladdin-products.co.uk/faqs/faqs-autovents/ If you can't get it to work, I would suggest contacting them via their contact form 😉

[@gamespamplin1418]

Fitted one for the first time yesterday morning. Woke up today, and had to manually bleed it. Any advice?

[@ultimatehandyman]

I've just checked their site and it seems they have 10 different models now for different systems. It might be worth checking with them to ensure you have the correct one aladdin-products.co.uk/products/autovents/

[@MPCpropertydevelopments]

OMG I've always had a problem with my loft conversion radiator.... no wonder it is called Aladdin, it is magic!!

[@ultimatehandyman]

Yes, they make some great products. The brains behind these products is very talented! Thanks for the comment

[@yusuf.alajnabi]

Lol I thought the whole radiator was going to rupture

[@ultimatehandyman]

Yes, it made a few creaking noises LOL Thanks for the comment

[@painy3248]

Does this also work for a tiny amount of air that is noisy when a radiator starts heating? The radiator warms completely. The boiler should also contain an automatic bleeder but still I hear air. The boiler is lower than the radiator. I also heard there is something called an air divider for micro bubbles (still needs bleeder)

[@ultimatehandyman]

Not sure, this is designed to let trapped air out of a radiator. Sometimes some radiators constantly need bleeding, this is where one of these comes in useful. Thanks for the comment 👍

[@Budfrog23]

I've fitted these to my Rads today - I went for the model with the replaceable cartridge. I know they have a five year warranty but how long do they actually last?

[@ultimatehandyman]

Not sure, to be honest. I had one of these in my old house, but no longer live there! Thanks for the comment 👍

[@peteradams408]

dont buy them they are shit!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

[@ultimatehandyman]

Based on what evidence?

[@sandrapember2290]

I fitted three of these genuine valves last year , all was great , but this year went to turn central heating on and one valve is'nt working , only getting half hot radiator . 🤔

[@ultimatehandyman]

Are they still under guarantee? If they are, I would get in touch with the manufacturers- aladdin-products.co.uk/faqs/faqs-autovents/

[@fletton_man]

Brilliant video, very informative. I had several manual bleed plugs and blanking plugs that had perished rubber o-rings and were leaking. They were replaced with Aladdin Autovents. They are awesome indeed. Very well made, chromed brass, in comparison to the supplied plugs and quite heavy for their size. No more leaks, dry floorboards and hot radiators. Thank you.

[@ultimatehandyman]

Thanks for the comment

[@ccmogs5757]

Fitted one of these @ 3 years ago on the upstairs bathroom rad. & never bled a rad. since , system seems more efficient :]

[@ultimatehandyman]

Thanks for the comment

[@kylecroft5807]

I have different problem with some rads not heating at the bottom, over the years I've had numerous plumbers out all with different solutions. My boiler is a ideal classic fitted upstairs in the box room with a expansion valve in the attic. Kitchen rad will only get piping hot if I knock off some rads. I think it's a balance issue as their is no air trapped. Can I source a device to balance or what do you think. Thanks Kyle from dublin

[@ultimatehandyman]

Normally old rads at the bottom often means that the radiator is full of sludge. Have you ever had the system power flushed? You could remove one of the problem radiators and take it outside, then swill it out with a hose pipe. Thanks for the comment

[@kylecroft5807]

Thanks for replying , all the rads are less than 5 years old, I've had the system drained twice in the last 5, I've also bought magna clean but it's not installed yet. Kitchen rad is furthest from the boiler which is upstairs in the box room. Probably needs a power flush and the boiler replaced and moved downstairs

[@idi0tdetectioninprogress]

Kyle Croft. There`s a few things that could be the cause, which you should eliminate before the pain and expense of a boiler replacement and move (unless that`s what you want to do anyway). I would do a complete drain down, flush, and treatment first. Then it`s worth investigating if there is any poorly installed pipework, which could be restricting the flow, and also check the pipe sizing while you`re at it. Basic balancing is also something you can do relatively easily yourself, just throttle the lockshields down on the rads nearest the boiler, and leave the downstairs at full bore.

[@arahant69]

I got this problem with 1 radiator that is hot at top cold at bottom plus it can't be switched off. In the off position with the trv it comes on warm and if I turn it full it gets hotter. I changed the trv joint and thermostat to no avail. all the other radiators are fine. 1 plumber said the in flow and out flow need swapping and another said to power flush. instead i am trying a cleaner f100 and inhibitor f400 to see if that works. I got a magna trap and water seems clean so goung to install 6 aladdins too. pretty sure it can't be sludge but I could be wrong.

[@craigmcg125]

does the valve release in one quick burst or slowly?

[@ultimatehandyman]

Just slowly I believe, there is an explanation of how it works on the Aladdin website- aladdin-products.co.uk/products/autovents/ Thanks for the comment

[@easternise]

Can I shut mains water rather than shutting off lockshield?

[@therealKINDLE]

I don't get it. :O I thought these were meant to release air automatically like the stop cock on a pressure cooker? But even with a BILLION BAR in it, the thing STILL doesn't release anythang!! Great vid as always tho! My offer of a free apprentice stands in Essex!

[@ultimatehandyman]

There was no air to release in the radiator as it was full of water, when the pressure test was done. Thanks for the comment

[@michaeltipton3148]

Bought 8 of these and installed 4....worked for about an hour now the 4 radiators need bleeding, so dont work for me Hot at the bottom cold at the top.

[@ultimatehandyman]

I'd contact them and get their expert advice- aladdin-products.co.uk/contact-2/ Thanks for the comment 👍

[@GeeTheBuilder]

I’ve wondered for years why these didn’t exist for rads since auto valves are used all over plumbing installations including in most boilers. I assumed it was because of the horizontal way they would need to be fitted to the end of a rad or that they would look unsightly But these look just the job. Only issue is if it’s really true that if they fail they ALWAYS fail in the closed position. I had a leak from my boiler auto value and some water was spilled in the boiler, but if these fail then someone’s nice oak floor could be ruined.

[@niftylittlebleeder]

The Aladdin Autovents are unique and fail closed - i.e they will not leak at the end of their life.

[@carot2003]

I have had these in a couple of rads for a year or two, I do not like them. They only release air when valve opened slightly. The c shaped key to open valves is a total night mare to use. I will be changing valves back to old fashion type so I can use a proper key..

[@ultimatehandyman]

Thanks for the comment

[@niftylittlebleeder]

Sorry you are having problems with your valves. Please contact our customer services on [e-mail] and we will be able to help you resolve your problems to ensure the valves automatically bleed.

[@whatsup7202]

They sure seem to make quality products. Impressed.

[@davesstuff1599]

Hand them out on bean night for a safer experience, lol.

[@cmal90]

Seems a good idea for systems with problematic air. Worth adding to keep an aye on the boiler pressure if these are fitted or it could be a chilly wake up in the morning if the systems pressure drops to low preventing the boiler from working. As you will have no way of knowing when and how frequently the air is releasing from said radiators. Great video as always

[@ultimatehandyman]

Absolutely. Thanks for the comment ;-)

[@bikerjon153]

Abit pricey at £18.00 for a pair from screwfix

[@ultimatehandyman]

They are expensive but there is a lot of work that goes into them and once installed could save money on your central heating bills. Thanks for the comment

[@lukekendall2091]

hi, fitted one of these to test them out, however i fiddled before reading and opened the vent with the little horseshoe key, then read instructions and it said to never do this, valve now wont let air out, can it be corrected or do i need to buy another?

[@ultimatehandyman]

I'm not sure, you are better off asking the manufacturers- aladdin-products.co.uk/contact-2/

[@niftylittlebleeder]

Hi Luke if you're still having problems please contact us at [e-mail] and we will be able to help.

[@mikekennedy2394]

If a radiator constantly needs bleeding doesn't that mean there's a problem in the system? Informative video, thanks for posting.

[@ultimatehandyman]

It depends, in a previous house we had a conventional system and the tank was not quite high enough meaning the towel radiator in the bathroom needed bleeding regularly. I could have done with one of these back then! Thanks for the comment

[@nightjarflying]

[1] Repressurizing some types of boilers introduces air [2] It isn't just air - there is a hydrogen build-up inside water systems due to corrosion

[@ursamajor6546]

Presumably though, the combi boiler will eventually stop working due to low pressure! It's excellent to have a valve that automatically bleeds radiators. But without a mechanism that automatically tops up the pressure is just going to create a different problem.

[@ultimatehandyman]

Yes, a combi will eventually stop working, but these would be more useful on a conventional system, where there is not much head of water. A friend of mine had a radiator in her bathroom (conventional system) and it needed bleeding every few weeks due to the lack of water pressure in her system. One of these would have been very useful for her. Thanks for the comment 👍

[@ursamajor6546]

@@ultimatehandyman No need to thank me for a 30 second comment mate - you're the one that needs to be thanked for all your truly excellent videos. 👍👍👍

[@ultimatehandyman]

@@ursamajor6546 I always appreciate comments, so often thank people for taking the time to comment ;-)

[@ratchriat1716]

that is impressive loved the video(what about if you drain the heating system would work the same).

[@ultimatehandyman]

Thanks, yes if you drain down you can just refill the system and each radiator with a auto vent fitted will not need bleeding as it will fill to the top. Thanks for the comment

[@lazylad9064]

Good device for radiators and another informative video top man

[@ultimatehandyman]

Absolutely. Thanks for the comment

[@AdammP]

I know this seems like a totally off-topic question but that test rig, do you think it could be converted into a diesel injector test rig? I mean it's ideal because it has the gauge etc. You'd be able to see what the injector fired at. What's the max pressure and cost of one of those? Kind regards

[@ultimatehandyman]

I'm not sure what pressure they fire at? This rig goes up to 50 bar, it has a 1/2 BSP female connector on the end, which means you can easily convert it to fit almost every other type of thread. I bought mine at auction a few years back for about £40, to buy one brand new they are about £180 or you can but a no name version for about £60 brand new.

[@AdammP]

Ultimate Handyman it may not be adequate in that respect. I think it's somewhere near 2000psi-2700psi, I've heard people make them from bottle jack's but it would be a lot more effort than this tester. Thanks

[@IIGrayfoxII]

Why not just get a proper tool made for the job. Diesel fuel rails go to 1500psi. And since the injector is PWM controlled for a microsecond or so, the pressure drop wont be all that much.

[@Rondjrocket]

Great video but really wanted you to carry on with the pressure lol. Brave man!

[@ultimatehandyman]

I've tested 100 ton vessels on site ;-) Thanks for the comment 👍

[@Rondjrocket]

@@ultimatehandyman Thanks for your videos I have learned a lot from them.

[@JohnHughes2002]

Another good outing for the Ridgid pressure tester!

[@ultimatehandyman]

Absolutely. Thanks for the comment ;-)

[@glenn20081965]

Mine only lasted 6 months

[@ultimatehandyman]

Have you got in touch with the manufacturers, as they are guaranteed!

[@niftylittlebleeder]

Sorry you had problems our valves are guaranteed for 5 years. Please contact us at [e-mail] advising where valves were purchased.

[@scott-vq3qk]

like you video. great tips

[@ultimatehandyman]

Thanks for the comment ;-)

[@chrisjw37]

I fitted on to my Nans radiator which is always half full of air for some reason. Sadly the device simply does not fricking work, manually unscrewing it to let air out is worse than the standard fitting. It is a genuine product too, just entirely useless.

[@ultimatehandyman]

I'll see if I can get someone from Aladdin to answer this one.

[@niftylittlebleeder]

Hi our products are guaranteed for 5 years so please contact us and we will check with you it has been fitted correctly and if it is faulty will send you a replacement. Please call us on 01279 730363

[@niftylittlebleeder]

Hi Chris sorry you've had problems with your valves. Please contact us at [e-mail] and we can sort this for you.

[@chrisjw37]

@@niftylittlebleeder Never saw this answer - sadly after a year and 3 more manual ventings I bought a manual valve and fitted it. This thing simply does not work. That's two units that have failed now.

[@chrisjw37]

@@niftylittlebleeder UPDATE: Aladdin kindly sent me a free replacement. Decent customer service; but it's not worth the hassle of installing yet another valve again.

[@cliverogers7383]

thanks for the advice on the green packet ones.

[@ultimatehandyman]

You are welcome Thanks for the comment

[@Gears.and.Gadgets]

Great idea. Thanks for sharing.

[@ultimatehandyman]

You are welcome Thanks for the comment

[@davidyoung6608]

Those are a pretty neat.

[@ultimatehandyman]

Thanks for the comment ;-)

[@royp8645]

I have a heat only system, not a combi. Is there a minimum pressure this will work

[@ultimatehandyman]

I believe these seal by water expanding washer/s so they should work on any pressure. Thanks for the comment

[@royp8645]

Ultimate Handyman but do they purge very low pressure with aheader tank

[@ultimatehandyman]

Yes, I can't see why not. If you open the bleed valve and there is enough head to push the air out it should work exactly the same with an auto vent.

[@royp8645]

Ultimate Handyman Ok thanks for your prompt reply. Cheers mate.

[@ultimatehandyman]

You are welcome ;-)

[@3D_Printing]

6:30 taking a risk

[@ultimatehandyman]

If it fails it will only squirt out a bit of water ;-) Thanks for the comment

[@3D_Printing]

All those "Bars" I thought exploding radiator, why it is creaking. Please Please that care I like your videos

[@Paulintouch]

Perfect 👌 Tks

[@ultimatehandyman]

You are welcome Thanks for the comment

[@SuperWayneyb]

👍🤓👍

[@ultimatehandyman]

Thanks Wayne ;-)

[@kb5057]

These are a terrible idea and will potentially kill your boiler!. If your heating system is constantly being topped up with fresh water all you are enabling is corrosion and black iron oxide (magnetite) to form quicker!! Water+oxygen+steel creates sludge. When this finds its way back to your boiler it will block it and cause all sorts of issues. If these constantly let air out then water is constantly being put back in!!! Either from a conventional header tank (open vent system) or the homeowner topping up the system via a filling loop (sealed system. If you constantly have air in a particular radiator then that is the real issue that needs fixing, not by fitting one of these. Please beware...you've been warned!!!!

[@niftylittlebleeder]

If you need to keep topping up the volume of water then there is a leak which needs addressing. Our studies have shown that micro gaps in a system can allow air in but not necessarily be a leak (via PTFE tape joints, compression olives, O ring seals etc). The net effect in this circumstance of bleeding air doesn't keep dropping system pressure or introducing new water. The second cause of air in a system is inherent in the water which contains 17% by volume which is liberated upon change of temperature or pressure. Once removed the system becomes mostly air free which actually reduces corrosion. Air trapped in a modern heat exchanger causes damage. Heating Engineers often fit our valves when they can't trace the source of air ingress and find them a useful tool.

[@kb5057]

I am a heating 'engineer'...I recommend these to my customers www.spirotech.co.uk/products/spirovent-microbubble-deaerators-brass/ On an open vent system pumps will also unfortunately suck in air via the open vent pipe. If the air were to find its way to these air vents then they would release the air thus dropping the head from the tank thus allowing more fresh water into the system thus allowing more iron oxide to form. Sealed systems I agree with your point above about topping up the system pressure (water) ^

[@COUPEDUMMY]

I've used these on a commercial system which was great as 100 plus rads and so much easier for venting. One thing tho, as these do fail safe it would be best to replace the blanking plug end on a modern rad rather than the manual bleed. If it does indeed fail at least you can bleed the radiator still or take pressure off if needed. If it failed you would then need to drain as you could have 1 bar plus pressure in the rad. Could get messy. Great product tho, would recommend

[@ultimatehandyman]

That's a great idea. Thanks for the comment

[@nickharris3850]

As a 22 year time served hydronic (central heating) engineer, now in Australia, you think you've seen everything! Never seen these on a system until now, on a job where I've got to drain it down to do some repairs. Very happy I've now seen this vid as I'm confident it will purge the air and not cause any issues dow the track. Great vid mate.

[@ultimatehandyman]

I'm glad the video helped Thanks for the comment 👍

[@chrisjw37]

Simply does not vent air, fitted a year ago and had to be removed for a manual valve. Was manually opened and vast amounts of air removed 3 times over the year. UPDATE: Aladdin kindly sent me a free replacement. Decent customer service; but it's not worth the hassle of installing yet another valve again.

[@ultimatehandyman]

I'd get in touch with them and see what they say. Are you sure it's one of the genuine ones and not a copy? Thanks for the comment

[@chrisjw37]

@@ultimatehandyman It is genuine, they did send a replacement, but after the hassle of changing it twice in a tiny toilet - I can't really be bothered again. The radiator is red hot, the valve needs heat they say. I took the old one apart. The needle valve at the back of the housing under the cartridge was rigid, it moves under spring pressure in the new one, just doesn't work on a 10 year old radiator system, 3 yr old boiler. Suspect its the black sludge.

[@Eicles]

I've seen these before and I think they're a very well designed product and a great idea. If a radiator continuously required bleeding though, I would be inclined to investigate the cause of the problem and try to rectify it.

[@ultimatehandyman]

That is correct, but sometimes a certain radiator will just collect air due to the system design. I think once we had a header tank that was not high enough and that meant that the bathroom towel rail constantly required bleeding. Thanks for the comment

[@xmfclick]

These valves do work well, but be aware that they aren't a permanent solution to the problem. I can't claim to know the details of how they work but I reckon there's some kind of material akin to horse-hair inside that lets air out until the water arrives and wets it, whereupon it stops. The problem is, it has a finite lifetime of around 5 years (according to the Aladdin website). I bought 4 of them about 3 years ago and have had to replace 2 of those already. On the other hand, I saw a comment on ebay from a user who had one of these still working after 8 years. Once it stops working, your rad will go back to trapping air and you will need to replace either the whole valve (if it's a basic HV30 model) or the cartridge (if it's an HV30C). As the HV30 is currently selling for £5 each and upwards (Screwfix want about £9 each!!) this means that your rads are costing you about a quid a year each, which you may want to factor into your calculations. FWIW I've also had experience of the Italian type automatic vents, which are purely mechanical. They are little pots about the size of an eggcup with a float and a lever inside and a sort of bicycle valve on top; the lever stops up the valve when the water level gets high enough. They also work well at first but in my experience they stop working after a few years due to corrosion gumming up the mechanism. That said, I was talking to someone who claimed to have had one going for 10+ years; so who knows? Given that both of them work well for a few years and save the hassle of bleeding the rads all the time, I'd go for the Aladdin over the Italian eggcup mainly because it's much neater and unobtrusive. You just have to be prepared to buy new ones at some stage and go round replacing them.

[@ultimatehandyman]

👍

[@girlsdrinkfeck]

good video ,may i ask on towel rads ,how do u get rid of rust spots on stainless steel ones ? mines a central heating connected one not electric

[@ultimatehandyman]

Is it definitely stainless steel and not chrome plated? Rust spots on stainless can be difficult to get rid of, but sometimes you can remove the using a Scotch brite pad or similar- but you can ruin the finish on some stainless steel finishes if you use one.