Leaking radiator

worried_jim

keystone wrote: »

Ahh - thats different then. Where is it on this pic?



or more specifically which part of the assembly in relation to this one:



Cheers

I would say that the leak is coming from the end of the "tail". I will get a torch out tomorrow and investigate further. The radiator is turned off so there is no more leakage.

keystone

OK but which end of the tail? The end nearest the valve itself is easy. Tighten up the large "nut" a little. Hold the valve itself steady when you do it though as its easy to twist it off the 15mm pipe! If its the other end thats a different issue.

Cheers

A.Penny.Saved

Try using some white toilet paper, the cheap stuff is sufficient. Blot it into the joints and after each time look for a mark on the paper.

Turn on the radiator to do it.

You need to work out whether it is coming from the tail into the radiator or from around one of the two union nuts. Note that newer valves are not like the one in the picture, they use compression fittings with olives.

If it's the tail into the radiator you would need to drain the system and have a tail removing spanner which is like a large allen key of 1/2 inch which are about £3. Some ptfe tape would also be needed and system inhibitor (6 to £18 depending upon brand) after you refill it and a way to add that to the system such as an easyfill device(£11).

http://www.tooldiscountcentre.com/monument-2053u-radiator-spanner-key-valve-vent-plug-44-p.asp - I have an unbranded one which cost me slightly less from a DIY chain

http://www.tooldiscountcentre.com/eezyfill-radiator-dosing-funnel-fitting-central-heating-176-p.asp - there are different methods of doing it, this allows cheaper cartons of inhibitor to be added to radiators which have removable vent plugs

tooldiscount centre is local to me and they have an eBay store too.

If it's the union nuts then it's a lot easier and just requires tightening slightly while steadying the valve to prevent any rotation of the valve.

worried_jim

Its at the locksheild valve end (would be), I will try to post some pics tomorrow.

keystone

worried_jim wrote: »

Its at the locksheild valve end (would be), I will try to post some pics tomorrow.

So its the end of the tail nearest the valve? Does it have a union with a large nut like the one in my image? Tighten that up a bit.

Cheers

worried_jim

I've pointed with a screwdriver where the water is coming from.

keystone

You mean where I've circled it?



In which case and provided its not coming from elsewhere and just collecting there then its a new rad TBH.

Cheers

worried_jim

That's the spot. I am just measuring up now for a new one then a trip to b&q. You can see in my original pic in the bottom right of the pic the connection to the pipe below the valve (its the same both sides) I hope to just screw the new one on in using the same fittings.

worried_jim

My Current rad is 520mm height 900mm width. Its a double panel and on the b&q website I can see one that is 600 x 900 (Kudox Double Radiator 5494 BTU 600x900mm Only £66.99)

http://www.diy.com/diy/jsp/bq/nav.jsp?action=detail&fh_secondid=10677531&fh_view_size=12&fh_start_index=0&fh_eds=%3f&fh_location=%2f%2fcatal!!!1%2fen_GB%2fcategories%3C{9372015}%2fcategories%3C{9372045}%2fcategories%3C{9372198}%2fspecificationsProductType%3dsteel_panel_radiators%2fspecificationsSpecificProductType%3ddouble_steel_panel_radiators&fh_refview=lister&ts=1291811118879&isSearch=false

Would this be a suitable replacement and just 8 cm higher up the wall ( not 8cm nearer the floor)? Somebody has told me to get some tape but I can't remember what it was called, something like ptp?
I really appreciate everyone's advice.

ormus

its called ptfe tape. wrap some around the male threads and it seals the joint.
a couple of layers.
ps.
wrap it around clockwise.