Rust on radiator

af2909_2

I am a novice when it comes to plumbing, but I have noticed some rust near the top of the radiator (its not on the bleed valve but on the opposite side - it is a circular area of rust which encases a bolt which is stainless)

Is there anything I can do about this - other than replace it?

There isn't a large amount of pressure being lost from the system, probably 0.1 bar every 6 - 8 weeks at the most

PS - can I upload pictures here to show what I mean?

southcoastrgi

yes you can post pics, so is it just rust or is it leaking ?

Ectophile

If it's just surface rust on the outside, then it just needs painting. this is most likely in a damp room (such as a bathroom). The risk if it's rusting around the joints at the ends is that it's rusting from the inside out. Over time, the rust gets worse until water starts seeping out. At that point, the radiators are scrap and need replacing.

af2909_2

Ectophile wrote: »

If it's just surface rust on the outside, then it just needs painting. this is most likely in a damp room (such as a bathroom). The risk if it's rusting around the joints at the ends is that it's rusting from the inside out. Over time, the rust gets worse until water starts seeping out. At that point, the radiators are scrap and need replacing.

How do I post pictures? It tells me I cannot post attachments but it's not surface rust

southcoastrgi

you need to post them to something like photobucket then either copy & past the forum link generated or the link to the pics you can't post attachments direct to here.

af2909_2

southcoastrgi wrote: »

you need to post them to something like photobucket then either copy & past the forum link generated or the link to the pics you can't post attachments direct to here.

http://s1304.photobucket.com/albums/s533/waynekerr55/?action=view&current=100_1774_zps304d4ff5.jpg

Canucklehead

Hi

You'll probably find if you put a spanner on the nut it will tighten up.
The leak will stop.
Scrape, brush or otherwise clean the rust off and keep an eye on it for further weeping/rusting.

Worst case: turn the rad valves off and remake the joint. Not a major job or worry

GSR

af2909_2

Canucklehead wrote: »

Hi

You'll probably find if you put a spanner on the nut it will tighten up.
The leak will stop.
Scrape, brush or otherwise clean the rust off and keep an eye on it for further weeping/rusting.

Worst case: turn the rad valves off and remake the joint. Not a major job or worry

GSR

Cheers, why do you think the bolt was loose?

Canucklehead

Hi.

Sometimes they just are.

Maybe the installer only did it hand tight.

Maybe heating /cooling loosens them up.

I've been to a 12 rad system and had 4 with the same look as yours.

'Mine is not to reason why, just fix it.'


GSR