Leaking radiator

Stekidd123 · Sep 27, 2019

I have a leaking radiator which in the last week has filled up half a saucepan of water. It’s the valve that is leaking at the bottom however I do not know what the name for this type of valve is called so any help would be appreciated. I am pretty good at general D.I.Y. But have little experience in plumbing and I was just wondering if this type of thing can be easily repaired/replaced by a complete novice such as myself. Is it as simple as tightening the valve if so what is the best method? I’ve circled the section that is leaking. Many thanks, Ste.

Harvest Fields · Sep 27, 2019

It is a 3/4 rad valve, is the pipe going into the bottom 10mm? Have you tried tightening the union up?

centralheatking · Sep 28, 2019

When you tighten up the leaky union make sure you use some grips to hold the valve in place otherwise if it comes off you will be in trouble as all the central heating water is behind it. Another way if you have to undo it to clean up the naughty joint is to close both rad valves and then use a washing up bowl to collect the water left in the radiator and your mrs best towels to soak any spillage. When drained undo car3fully as above.
good luck. centralheatking

Brambles · Sep 28, 2019

If you are keen on DIY, patient and willing to learn why not start a program of replacing all your radiator valves for thermostatic ones.

You may be lucky and able to tighten up this leaking old valve joint in situ without draining - but it is very easy to unwittingly damage / crack the valve / pipe joint if you apply unrestrained force on the valve / radiator union joint. CHKING has alluded to that.

The dirty / risky part (if you have fitted carpets) is draining down the last bit of water / sludge from each radiator ( after draining the system) - but once you have done that, I would fit new valves to either end of the radiator rather than try to repair.

If you go down the tightening up route, make sure that you know how to isolate and drain down the system quickly in the event that things start to go wrong.

Hope this helps and good luck

Danny1 · Sep 28, 2019

try nipping it up get some grips on the valve and use an adjustable spanner and turn it towards you ,other wise lock the lock shields up drain the rad down and wrap ptfe around the 3/4 thread make sure when wrapping some tape overlaps and goes a little inside as it could be pitted job done

firemant · Sep 28, 2019

Danny1 said:
try nipping it up get some grips on the valve and use an adjustable spanner and turn it towards you ,other wise lock the lock shields up drain the rad down and wrap ptfe around the 3/4 thread make sure when wrapping some tape overlaps and goes a little inside as it could be pitted job done

As above, but I would not use PTFE, not least because it is a bit fiddly to wrap it properly, especially if water still dripping out. I would smear the face of the valve with jointing compound:

You can normally do this without completely emptying the rad, bit obviously have plastic sheeting and a container in situ.

A following plumber may not thank you, as it can sometimes cause a problem to undo, or to reseal - bit will get your leak sorted.

Danny1 · Sep 29, 2019

Everyone has there own way of fixing joints just giving the guy some advice .!

Stekidd123 · Sep 29, 2019

Thanks everyone you’ve been a massive help, I will attempt to fix it today and let you all know how it goes. Thanks again

Brambles · Sep 29, 2019

Oh, never start a job on a Sunday when B and Q is closed!

townfanjon · Sep 29, 2019

Brambles said:
Oh, never start a job on a Sunday when B and Q is closed!

Lol , they never are

Stekidd123 · Sep 29, 2019

Brambles said:
Oh, never start a job on a Sunday when B and Q is closed!

Haha, thankfully it’s open till 4 where I live!(Crook, County Durham)

centralheatking · Sep 29, 2019

Let us know how you get on ...we are holding our breath for you...chking

Harvest Fields · Sep 29, 2019

Hope it all goes well.

Stekidd123 · Sep 29, 2019

I tightened it up and all has went well, it’s stopped the leak and it’s been a few hours so im optimistic that it’s done the job. One more favour I would like to ask, do any of you have any advice on any checks/maintenance that I should be doing throughout the year on my plumbing/electrics? For example checking the boiler pressure. It probably sounds like a really dumb question but any help would be appreciated. Thank you

Leaking radiator

Stekidd123

Attachments

Harvest Fields

centralheatking

Plumbers Arms member

Brambles

Danny1

firemant

Danny1

Stekidd123

Brambles

townfanjon

Stekidd123

centralheatking

Plumbers Arms member

Harvest Fields

Stekidd123

Similar plumbing topics