Can my radiator be fixed or do I need to replace it?

anonymous12124

I have a type 22 (1400mm x 600mm x 100mm) radiator which has suddenly started leaking. Given the location and the fact there was some rusty water on the floor, can this be repaired or am I looking at a replacement with a new one?

If I do have to replace it, would any radiator of the same size like in screwfix/toolstation slot straight in?

Boohoo

anonymous12124 said:

I have a type 22 (1400mm x 600mm x 100mm) radiator which has suddenly started leaking. Given the location and the fact there was some rusty water on the floor, can this be repaired or am I looking at a replacement with a new one?

If I do have to replace it, would any radiator of the same size like in screwfix/toolstation slot straight in?

Are sure the rad itself is leaking and not the valves?

Have look underneath and see if you can see if the rad or pipes are leaking.

It looks in good condition and where they new radiator as some rad manufacturers give a few years warranty on them so maybe worth checking.

As for slotting a new one In it would be surprised if it would work but you could be lucky.

Also I would move the dehumidifier cable away for the water collection bowl incase any water gets on the cable but that's just me.

molerat

If it is leaking there it is goosed and needs replacing

anonymous12124

Boohoo said:

Are sure the rad itself is leaking and not the valves?

Have look underneath and see if you can see if the rad or pipes are leaking.

It looks in good condition and where they new radiator as some rad manufacturers give a few years warranty on them so maybe worth checking.

As for slotting a new one In it would be surprised if it would work but you could be lucky.

Also I would move the dehumidifier cable away for the water collection bowl incase any water gets on the cable but that's just me.

No pipes under the radiator, they come up from the floors. 

It is 100% coming from the radiator where I have put the arrow in the picture. 

It's not under warranty as well. The dehumidifier cable is there because I was moving things around to take a clear picture. 

QrizB

I suspect it can be repaired, since it's just a bit of pressed steel.

I also think that if you had the skills needed to do this to an acceptable standard you wouldn't be asking here.

anonymous12124

QrizB said:

I suspect it can be repaired, since it's just a bit of pressed steel.

I also think that if you had the skills needed to do this to an acceptable standard you wouldn't be asking here.

Replacing a radiator is some heavy lifting but not rocket science provided it is exactly the same size. I would only need a tradesman if pipework was needed. 

QrizB

anonymous12124 said:

QrizB said:

I suspect it can be repaired, since it's just a bit of pressed steel.

I also think that if you had the skills needed to do this to an acceptable standard you wouldn't be asking here.

Replacing a radiator is some heavy lifting but not rocket science provided it is exactly the same size. I would only need a tradesman if pipework was needed. 

I didn't say "replacing" ...

anonymous12124

QrizB said:

anonymous12124 said:

QrizB said:

I suspect it can be repaired, since it's just a bit of pressed steel.

I also think that if you had the skills needed to do this to an acceptable standard you wouldn't be asking here.

Replacing a radiator is some heavy lifting but not rocket science provided it is exactly the same size. I would only need a tradesman if pipework was needed. 

I didn't say "replacing" ...

I've isolated the radiator for now. Fortunatey it's not too cold and I have another similar sized radiator in the room which will sufficice for a couple of days whilst I figure out what to do. I've just spent £800 on on getting my car sorted and now this ******* headache. 

WIAWSNB

Hi 12124A.
Aim your camera up at the source of the leak. Post on here.
Chances are the radiator has rusted through from inside, in which case it's beyond repair. Why? Because rust doesn't occur in one tiny spot, and what you are actually seeing is the first point it penetrated through, but you can bet the surrounding area is also very weak through rust.
There's a remote chance that a seam or weld has failed, and it ain't actually rusty. In this case, then a DIY repair is possible, but always carries a risk of failing. I guess it could even be taken to a friendly welder, who'll apply a quick bead, but that's a lot of hassle.
It looks modern, so chances are you'll be able to find a near identical replacement which will slot right in. Measure the rad width exactly, and also the height and thickness, and start your research.
The top grill and side panels are distinctive - most rads don't have these - so check them carefully for an embossed make.
Does your boiler have a pressure gauge?
NB: if it turns out the source is all bubbly and clearly rusty, then be aware that this is likely happening within other rads too. So, worth thinking about draining your system and adding 'inhibitor' to stop this.
Do you have a magnetic filter fitted on the return pipe to your boiler? I suspect not...
The good news is, tho', if you do find the make, and an identical replacement, a swap is pretty straight forward, and the rad might only be around £150 or so.
Meanwhile, make sure both valves are fully closed.

anonymous12124

WIAWSNB said:

Hi 12124A.
Aim your camera up at the source of the leak. Post on here.

Chances are the radiator has rusted through from inside, in which case it's beyond repair. Why? Because rust doesn't occur in one tiny spot, and what you are actually seeing is the first point it penetrated through, but you can bet the surrounding area is also very weak through rust.

There's a remote chance that a seam or weld has failed, and it ain't actually rusty. In this case, then a DIY repair is possible, but always carries a risk of failing. I guess it could even be taken to a friendly welder, who'll apply a quick bead, but that's a lot of hassle.

It looks modern, so chances are you'll be able to find a near identical replacement which will slot right in. Measure the rad width exactly, and also the height and thickness, and start your research.
The top grill and side panels are distinctive - most rads don't have these - so check them carefully for an embossed make.

Does your boiler have a pressure gauge?

NB: if it turns out the source is all bubbly and clearly rusty, then be aware that this is likely happening within other rads too. So, worth thinking about draining your system and adding 'inhibitor' to stop this.

Do you have a magnetic filter fitted on the return pipe to your boiler? I suspect not...
The good news is, tho', if you do find the make, and an identical replacement, a swap is pretty straight forward, and the rad might only be around £150 or so.

Meanwhile, make sure both valves are fully closed.

Thanks for this detailed post. I've attached a picture as best as I can from beneath you can see two orange rusty spots which match the colour of the water on the floor.

You were right, there is more than 1 rusty spot. Welding therefore seems futile?

My boiler has a pressure guage and it usually hovers around 1.5 and that hasn't changed much. I do have a Maganaflow connected to the central heating system which I get services every year along with the boiler. 

My valves are closed fully but I guess this is where monitoring the pressure guage will help us. 

QrizB

WIAWSNB said:

There's a remote chance that a seam or weld has failed, and it ain't actually rusty. In this case, then a DIY repair is possible, but always carries a risk of failing. I guess it could even be taken to a friendly welder, who'll apply a quick bead, but that's a lot of hassle.

Hence my comments about repairs.

WIAWSNB said:
The top grill and side panels are distinctive - most rads don't have these - so check them carefully for an embossed make.

I've got very similar-looking rads here. The end panels of mine are are embossed "PURMO".

https://www.purmo.com/en/products/panels/compact.htm