Heated towel rails have become a popular addition to modern bathrooms, offering the luxury of warm, dry towels at any time. However, many users, including Mia O’Hare, have encountered issues with their towel rails, particularly cold spots that diminish their effectiveness. On January 10, 2026, O’Hare shared her experience of quickly restoring heat to her towel rail through a simple DIY method, making it accessible for others facing similar issues.
Cold spots often occur when the towel rail is warm at the bottom but noticeably cooler at the top. This problem can arise from trapped air within the system, which disrupts the circulation of hot water. Instead of calling a plumber, O’Hare opted for a straightforward solution she learned from maintaining her radiators.
Bleeding the towel rail can effectively address this issue. Many people may not realize that towel rails function similarly to traditional radiators, making this task manageable with a few basic tools. According to O’Hare, all that is needed is a cup, an old cloth, and a radiator bleed key, which can be purchased for around £0.97 from retailers like Screwfix.
Steps to Bleed Your Towel Rail
To restore heat to your towel rail, follow these steps:
1. **Turn off the heating** and allow the towel rail to cool down.
2. **Locate the valve** on the towel rail; O’Hare found hers at the top.
3. **Insert the radiator bleed key** or a flat screwdriver into the valve and loosen it slightly.
4. As you do this, you will hear a hissing noise as trapped air escapes.
5. Once water begins to emerge from the valve, tighten it to stop the flow.
6. Use the cup to catch any escaping water and the old cloth to wipe up any spills.
7. Finally, turn the heating back on, and the towel rail should heat up evenly, reaching the top.
After completing this process, O’Hare was pleased to find that the heat returned swiftly to the upper part of her towel rail. She noted the immediate improvement, making the task a worthwhile effort.
Maintenance Recommendations
Experts recommend bleeding towel rails at least once a year, ideally at the end of summer when the heating system may have been inactive. Regular maintenance can help prevent the buildup of trapped air, which leads to cold spots and inefficiencies in heating. Ignoring these cold spots can not only result in uncomfortable towels but may also increase energy bills and cause noisy pipes.
By taking a few minutes to bleed your towel rail, you can enjoy the comfort of warm towels once again. This quick fix not only enhances the performance of your towel rail but also contributes to a more efficient heating system overall.
