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Materials
Screwdriver, monkey wrench, torque wrench, a wrench for purging and a set of Allen wrenches, washers, Teflon tape and, for emergencies, liquid metal glue and epoxy resin.
The hot water system has three important parts: the boiler, copper pipes, the length of which depends on the size of the space to be heated, and the radiators. Radiator problems should not affect the performance of the other parts of the system. Thus, the home can still be warm even if you close valves or turn off the defective radiator.

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Parts of the radiator
Radiators are made up of a series of modules connected to each other. Most are made of aluminum, although some are single-unit. They have four openings, two on the top and two on the bottom.
A valve regulates hot water entering the radiator. It is located on the top.
On the other side is the purge cock, which can be automatic or manual. It expels accumulated air.
On the bottom part an exit valve regulates the amount of water that passes through the radiator.
On the bottom of the other side is a threaded cover.�

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If the radiator or the joints leak
Lack of watertightness is a common problem. Or it can be that the joints are not tight, either because they are worn out, dilated or even affected by corrosion or dirt.
Determine from where the water leaks. Tighten with a monkey wrench or torque wrench. The joint between the pipes and radiator always has two screws. While you work on one, hold the other with another wrench so as not to loosen it.
If this does not solve the problem, you may have to replace the joints or washers. In this case, close the circuit beforehand.

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If the radiator does not heat up
This tends to happen when the system goes months without being used. If the upper part is cold this is probably due to an air pocket.
The solution is to purge each of the radiators.
If the bottom part does not heat up, this may be because of an accumulation of residue from corrosion. It prevents the water from circulating. You must clean the radiator and maybe even replace it.
If nothing will heat up, check the thermostat and the boiler pump.

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How to purge a radiator
It is best to do this when you first turn the heat on.
Many modern systems have automatic purging devices. The purge cock itself detects the air pocket and eliminates it with no need for you to intervene.
If this does not work, look and you will see a thin slit in a screw that opens and closes a small exit valve for air and water.
Turn it with a screwdriver. You can also do this with a special purging wrench. Take care to put in place a receptacle for the water that will come out when you open the valve.
Purge when the circuit is hot. When you open the valve, water and high-pressure air will come out. Be careful not to burn yourself. When air no longer comes out, close the valve.
Next, check the water level in the boiler. If this is not done automatically, open the filling valve and close it when the pressure is at the recommended level. The level should be checked when the system is cold.

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Emptying the circuit and taking the radiator apart
First close the entry valve manually and the exit valve with an Allen wrench (some models work with monkey wrenches. This will stop the flow of water through the circuit.
Loosen the hexagonal screws joining the radiator to the valves and the pipes of the circuit; use a monkey wrench or a similar wrench.
Carefully disassemble the radiator and empty the water into a receptacle.
If the joints are deteriorated, replace them with new ones. To put the radiator back together, place a little bit of Teflon tape in the threads. Tighten, refill the circuit and purge the radiators.

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