Leaking Radiator

Pont

Hope somebody can help!

In my bedroom the radiator has started leaking - I think it's a pin hole type leak from the pipe leading into the radiator (not the side with the + - controls).

Am I right in thinking I can isolate this radiator by turning the one side to the - as far as it will go and by using a slotted screwdriver to stop the flow of water going into the radiator by turning as far as it will go clockwise? By doing this will all the other radiators still operate as normal?

I'm at a bit of a loss as I don't know for sure if the problem is a pin hole leak or if it's something more sinister under the floorboards!

bryanb

Isolating the rad will not help if the leak is from the pipe.
You need to find exactly where the leak is before anyone can advise properly.

Pont

You're of course right - I later thought about the fact that even if the radiator was isolated this wasn't going to help as the leak is on the pipe! I think (!) the leak is approximately 2 inches up from the floorboards, on the pipe described above. It's really difficult to be precise as nothing is visable but if I dry the pipe off and then put my finger to the base of the pipe droplets of water are falling onto my finger. I'm pretty sure the leak isn't from the nut or valve as both appear to be dry.

At the moment I'm trying to lift the floorboard as looking through the gaps there seems to be alot of water there that will need drying out.

I noticed a problem for the first time last night. The hot water and heating wasn't working and saw that the pressure had dropped to just above zero. I repressurised the system and all seemed fine. When I went to bed around midnight I saw that water was seeping out on the floorboards in my bedroom. So it's not a longstanding problem.

I've had a google. If I could get hold of PTFE tape (?) would this be worth a try IYO? I just want to prevent more water escaping and causing problems to the ceiling below.

keystone

Got a pic of the leak location? You might was well wrap cotton wool round the pipe as PTFE BTW.

Cheers

bryanb

Depending on access, if it's a pinhole leak it may be possible to screw a self tapping screw into the hole as a temporary fix. But you really need a plumber of course.

Pont

Ok - these aren't the best pics. My daughter has just been here and her view is that the leak is coming from just below the nut (it does look coroded there as shown in the second pic).

I hope you can see that the pipe is a bit manky - I'm not sure if there has been a problem there before I bought this house about 2 1/2 years ago?

Pont

bryanb wrote: »

Depending on access, if it's a pinhole leak it may be possible to screw a self tapping screw into the hole as a temporary fix. But you really need a plumber of course.

Thanks, not sure if it is a pinhole leak now - see above?

roger196

Try in order, test for leak with tissue paper before moving on to next. Make sure you tighten in correct direction, put cloth/ towel on carpet to catch any drips, hold rad valve with spanner to make sure it does not move when tightening.

First tighten nut on pipe under radiator valve.
Second tighten nut between radiator valve and radiator.
Third buy a tube of Fernox leak Sealer www.screwfix.com part number 23614. Apply to hole in pipe

Pont

Just bought a torch. I can now see that there are small droplets coming from the nut so will try Roger's suggestion.

As an addition, obviously this leak is making the pressure drop in the system. At the moment CH/HW are turned off but tonight is supposed to be very cold and I've guests coming over for dinner. What will happen if I repressurise the system (again)and turn on CH/HW as normal with this ongoing problem (should I not be able to solve it before tonight)?

Thanks for your help and suggestions guys, I really appreciate it.

keystone

Your problem is that the valve is not sitting straight on the pipe so that the olive isn't fitting properly. I'll bet me last brass farthing that it isn't leaking from the rad tail union.

If you tighten the nut up on the base of the valve as it is now you stand a very good chance of crushing the olive on one side which will make the leak worse instead of better.

What you need to do is to slacken the nut off (ie undo it - yes really) slightly and reposition the valve so that it is sitting properly on the pipe. This you can do without draining down but you will need to push the fitting onto the pipe as you do it to maintain whatever seal there currently is. It may also be necessary as you do this to slacken off the rad connection a bit to give you some play. Once the valve is sitting straight on the pipe then that is the time to do the nut up. You are going to spill some water doing this so be ready to catch it/mop it up.

Of course, there is always the chance that the olive is already crushed in which case you are stuffed and will have to drain down and replace the section of pipe. Lets hope not.

HTH

Cheers

Pont

My major problem is that however much I try I can't loosen the nut! I've tried all the usual ways but it just won't move. AFAIK, this house was renovated in the early 1980s by the previous owners. My guess is that nothing has been screwed or unscrewed since then. All I think I can do tonight is to wrap the offending valve in a towel with the ends draping down into a plastic tub - at least it will save anymore water damage to the floor.

I fear I'm going to have to call the plumber in tomorrow (££££££) and admit defeat. On the brighter side I can at least pretend I know what I'm taking about to him - valves, nuts, olives etc.

Thank you all for your help and advice - I do feel a little more knowledgable now than I did this morning!