Leaky radiator - advice before I call a plumber

Javens

My knowledge of radiators/heating systems is near non existent, so apologies if I sound naive.

There is a small leak in my parents house, coming from the bit that sticks out at the bottom of the radiator which I assume is to let water out?

I've turned both valves off either side of the radiator which has stopped it from heating up (isolating it?).

Will this stop the leak eventually, as the leak empties the radiator of water, or is the part that is leaking below where the water has been cut off, and therefore is going to keep leaking, resulting in the pressure dropping on the boiler?



I may just call a plumber.... :rotfl:

EssexExile

It's going to keep leaking!

Javens

Thanks. Plumber it is.

Aylesbury_Duck

Forgive me if it's stating the obvious, but have you checked that the drain nut is tight? That's the squared nut you can see on the end of the pipe. Don't overtighten it but undo it gently a bit, more water will come out, and then gently tighten it again. If the leak stops, turn the radiator back on and monitor it.

Javens

I haven’t, no. I had a new boiler fitted a few weeks ago. It’s only leaking when the heating is turned off and the system is cooling down, so I just assumed it was faulty rather than not tightened.

As it’s such an old radiator/piping, I was nervous to try and tighten the bolts.

Aylesbury_Duck

If you've got the radiator isolated, no serious damage will occur if you do cause a problem. Tackle it gently, perhaps put some penetrating oil on it a few hours beforehand. That's why loosening it first is a good idea, so you get a feel for whether it's seized or already fully tightened. If you go straight into trying to tighten it and it's already fully closed, you might strip it.

LandyAndy

Aylesbury_Duck wrote: »

If you've got the radiator isolated, no serious damage will occur if you do cause a problem. Tackle it gently, perhaps put some penetrating oil on it a few hours beforehand. That's why loosening it first is a good idea, so you get a feel for whether it's seized or already fully tightened. If you go straight into trying to tighten it and it's already fully closed, you might strip it.

Isn't that the system drain point? If the OP does cause a problem he's going to have a lot of water to contend with.

Javens

Thanks for all the info.

As the property is rented, I!!!8217;ll let the landlord know today for them to sort out.

Javens

The nut needed tightening, as someone mentioned above. Took the plumber 20 seconds.

DIY is just not my thing...