Can I plug a bleed hole instead of replacing?

Only temporarily with a brass plug. Long-term, you lose the ability to bleed air.

UK trade guideRadiator & Heating 3 min readUpdated 9 July 2026

How to Replace a Radiator Bleed Valve (UK)

Fit a new 1/8" or 1/4" BSP bleed valve on any UK radiator. Stripped square, weeping and stuck vents.

PeglerDanfossMyson

Old cast iron rads = 1/4" BSP. Modern panel rads = 1/8" BSP. Measure before ordering.

Drain rad. Old valve unscrews with 12 mm socket. Wind PTFE on new bleed. Refit.

Can I plug a bleed hole instead of replacing?: Only temporarily with a brass plug. Long-term, you lose the ability to bleed air.

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