Small leak at bottom of radiator (see photo)

[dimmy]

Hi!

My girlfriend has just sent me the attached photo .There is a small dripping leak from the small stubby sticking out bit below a radiator. Enough for the pressure to drop a it (boiler repressurised). She said the end was hand loose so tightened it. The radiator is not a slimline type and has no bleeding valves etc. at the top as far as I can see. What is this small stubby pipe ...and why should it suddenly develop a leak? (the wiring below is for old cctv and not live!)...THANKS.

 

[village idiot]

It's a Drain-Off Valve used to drain down the system. Just need to tighten it more or drain down and change the washer in there

 

[townfanjon]

DO NOT , over tighten though

 

[dimmy]

ok thanks ....she has tightened it a bit....is the washer in there rubber or metal?...and if it needs replacing is a drain down (or freezing the pipes either side) the only 2 options?...thanks

 

[Dotty]

She got an open vent or sealed system?

 

[townfanjon]

Yep a little rubber washer , there is a way it maybe able to be done live , but unless you know how to do it that way , you will be safer draining down .

 

[dimmy]

Sealed system with combi boiler....cheers!

 

[dimmy]

ok thanks...I thought I might be lucky and have a stopcock or the like nearby...so as to do only a partial drain?

 

[PlumbBobBob]

probably wouldn't have to do a complete drain down, as it is pressurised you should only need to knock the pressure off.

 

[dimmy]

Thanks all....leak now stopped....the square spigot was finger loose so it has been tightened and the leak has stopped....cheers!

 

[jtsplumbing]

Have a look on inside edge of radiator for bleed screw it may have a white plastic cap over it .