Radiator leak

RockLobster · 25 Nov 2017 at 13:51

Any ideas what I can do to fix the leak below: -

Dandle · 25 Nov 2017 at 14:01

Is it actually leaking? It just looks a little dirty. If it is then you will need to isolate both valves (the thermostatic should have cap you screw on instead of the head to isolate it properly). Then drain the radiator, unscrew the fitting clean it up and refit it with new PTFE tape or paste. Then put it back together and bleed the rad once the valves are open.

robj20 · 25 Nov 2017 at 15:06

Good advice above, don't use ptfe though spend the extra and get loctite 55. So much better especially for the novice.

RockLobster · 25 Nov 2017 at 15:06

It is leaking although a very small amount. I was going to buy a paste forget the name but it may be best to do what you said.

R3X · 25 Nov 2017 at 15:38

Dandle said:
Is it actually leaking? It just looks a little dirty. If it is then you will need to isolate both valves (the thermostatic should have cap you screw on instead of the head to isolate it properly). Then drain the radiator, unscrew the fitting clean it up and refit it with new PTFE tape or paste. Then put it back together and bleed the rad once the valves are open.

Good advice I have seen this issue with past rads of mine but can't one just use paste on top and seal it?

Such a chore to do all of that !

Dandle · 26 Nov 2017 at 11:21

You could try and seal it with paste but it most likely wont work and will leak again, especially if its a sealed system. Do it right the first time and you dont have to worry again.

FlyingFish · 26 Nov 2017 at 11:53

Check to make sure the leak isn't from the nut above, top of radiator, we see that all the time.
If not, then get a tray to catch drips, and carefully loosen the compression nut from the tail into the valve body, support the valve so as not to twist it. Then have a go at tightening up the tail into the radiator, square sided, as it might just be a case the installer hasn't tightened it up enough.
If no joy, you could diy try some LSX paste.
After that, your looking at draining the rad to remove the tail and remake the joint, loctite thread is a good idea for inexperienced users

Mick

rexehuk · 26 Nov 2017 at 16:36

FlyingFish said:
If no joy, you could diy try some LSX paste.
Mick

I actually end up usually using PTFE + LSX as standard when doing joints, a bit belt and braces!

RockLobster · 26 Nov 2017 at 22:05

Thanks guys will double check the leak is where I think it is and the belt and braces approach seems sensible.

topgun06 · 27 Nov 2017 at 09:13

Sweet! I noticed a leak from one my mine at the weekend. Although it is coming from the nut at the top of the radiator. It's a small radiator though so not too much of an issue to bleed it.

But the TRV, can anyone point me to where i can get one of those screw in stop caps as per:

Dandle said:
the thermostatic should have cap you screw on instead of the head to isolate it properly

In the past i've had to faff around with clamps to keep the valve closed which is less then ideal if as I could easily knock the clamp off when removing the radiator before I get the chance to install a proper stop cap on the end of the valve.

Dandle · 27 Nov 2017 at 10:05

Search for decorator valve cap and whatever make your TRV is.

Jamesyboyjim · 27 Nov 2017 at 13:13

Nothing that a good bit of Plumbers Mait can't fix.