Radiator Leak - How best to fix it?

frank_olaf

I found a small hole in the bottom of one of the radiator panels and I was wondering how best to fix it. There is a bit of rust forming around the hole as well.

I've looked around a bit on some advice sites and they suggest to replace the radiator. This seems like an expensive option for one little hole.

I found this product called UniBond 1256999 Repair Express Power Putty (which can be bought on amazon for £7.50), which says it can be used to seal radiators
This is obviously a much cheaper alternative than replacing the radiator but i'm not sure how effective it is long term.

Could someone please offer any thoughts on this?

Thank you.

Frank

Grenage

Replace it. Radiators are relatively cheap, and if you're got a pinhole with rust in one place, it is normally not far off in another area.

spadoosh

Replace the radiator.

The puttys are good for temporary fixes. Youre not going to get a good seal on rust. The rust will only grow and further weaken any seal. IF theres rust spots on it now, chances are theres other rust spots not too far away from breaking through.

Putty might be the moneysaving option but i dont think its the most practical.

ariba10

I second what "Grenage" wrote.

A lot easier and cheaper in the long run to replace it.

frank_olaf

Thanks very much for the quick replies.

I'll go ahead and replace the radiator.

sk240

I have had resonable sucess with the repair putty, as long as the hole is not rusty.
In my situation it was a defect rather than rusting through, so i used a dremmel to take off the paint and surface rust to give it a key.
I drained the radiator to ensure that the surface was dry.
Then cleaned it, added the putty over a 10p sized area, than painted it after it had set.
Its been fine for a number of years.
https://www.transtools.co.uk/fixings-hardwares/sealants-and-adhesives/builders/everbuild-stick-2-epoxy-putty-aqua-50gm