I recently discovered that several of my radiator plugs have been leaking slightly, with varying degrees of corrosion evident, and on inspection I have found that some of the plugs are steel, some are brass and some are chrome-plated.
Not surprisingly the steel plugs have corroded most, but what surprised me was that some, but not all, of the steel plugs have the remnants of fibre washers. On checking suppliers' replacements the chrome plated plugs do seem to come with o-rings but brass plugs do not seem to come with washers or o-rings.
I’d prefer to use brass replacements, to match the existing valves, but should I fit washers?
On fitting replacements I assume I should use PTFE tape on threads but have heard that this can interact with some washers and o-rings.
Not surprisingly the steel plugs have corroded most, but what surprised me was that some, but not all, of the steel plugs have the remnants of fibre washers. On checking suppliers' replacements the chrome plated plugs do seem to come with o-rings but brass plugs do not seem to come with washers or o-rings.
I’d prefer to use brass replacements, to match the existing valves, but should I fit washers?
On fitting replacements I assume I should use PTFE tape on threads but have heard that this can interact with some washers and o-rings.