Leaking Radiator - Gland Nut?

timmyevo

simple 5 mins job. get length of ptfe tape, roll it done ur thigh to make it into a strand. get towel around area to protect carpets et.c. undo gland nut (small amount of water may come out but nothing to worry about). loosely wrap the strand of ptfe tap around the stem of the valve where the gland nut has been removed, gently push the tape strand down into the area where the gland nut was, then replace the gland nut. simple and easy to do, and the valve can be used again.

the valve itself can be changed without draining the system if your quick and there is movement on the pipes, if they're in concrete then its a !!!!!! to do even with a drained system but i'd not recommend this to anyone who isn't very fast handed!

debbie42

Thanks for all the replies. So I don't need to actually isolate the valve, just undo the gland nut + repack it? Is ptfe or graphite tape best?

timmyevo

yes, just undo it, do the ptfe thing. robs ur mothers brother!

alanobrien

debbie42 wrote: »

Thanks for all the replies. So I don't need to actually isolate the valve, just undo the gland nut + repack it? Is ptfe or graphite tape best?

In order of preference for sealing ability and resistance to extrusion. 1) Graphite, 2) PTFE cord 3) PTFE tape.
If the valve stem is pitted badly i doubt PTFE tape will work but its worth a go.