Leaking radiator valves

Aerodiver

Hi,

I have a number of leaking radiator valves that need sorting. They were fitted around 8-10 years ago, so are modern but likely of the cheap low quality Barratt builders type. My heating system is of the pressurised variety, so don't know if this has contributed to the problem, or needs checking out. The system is usually filled to 1.5 bar (cold) on the header gauge (well, until the leaks drag it down again).

I tried tightening the gland nuts, which has bought me about an extra 12 months. Now the leaks are recurring on about 6 of our 12 radiators. Its mostly the lockshield valves that have the problem. The TRVs seem to be ok.

Someone I spoke to suggested repacking the valve with PTFE, but I don't know if this would be applicable to modern valves. I was told that this could be achieved without a complete system drain by marking the lockshield position, then turning it off so that the gland nut can be removed without leaking. True/False?

Anything worth trying, or should I look to bite the bullet, drain the system and just replace the lot? Some of the radiators aren't very accessible, so repair would be easier if its viable.

Thanks.

ariba10

Repacking.-Slacken the gland nut right off, wrap one or two turns of P T F E tape around the stem below the nut ( Clockwise looking from above) then replace nut.

Have a small bowl and some clothes ready to mop up the small leakage that may appear.

kev.s

for all the price of new valves i'd replace the lot, if it's the bottom nut which goes into the pipe your gonna have to drain the system to get the ptfe tape round ( always remove the old tape ) if it's the nut which goes to the rad then just turn both valves off. but i would go for the change if your budget allows

ariba10

kev.s wrote: »

for all the price of new valves i'd replace the lot, if it's the bottom nut which goes into the pipe your gonna have to drain the system to get the ptfe tape round ( always remove the old tape ) if it's the nut which goes to the rad then just turn both valves off. but i would go for the change if your budget allows

Seeing as tightening the GLAND nut made a temporary cure, I would try repacking first.

Aerodiver

ariba10 wrote: »

Seeing as tightening the GLAND nut made a temporary cure, I would try repacking first.

Thanks. Yes, all definitely leaking from the gland nut / valve stem. Will try that first as replacing the valves will mean removing some of the radiators to get decent access, possibly having to cut pipes. Smart installation Mr Barratt :mad:

Is it true that by turning off all the inlet & outlet valves (marking the position of the lockshield of course) I can safely remove the gland nut without ending up on Harry Hills TV burps :eek:

ariba10

I have never had trouble doing it that way myself. You will have some leakage but very little.

Keep an old floor cloth and some rags handy. (Faint heart never stuffed a pig)