Help - Leaking radiator

MarkTasha · 16 Nov 2006

I have a leaking radiator. I have turned off both valves to stop water entering the radiator and am trying to drain it off. For some reason, though, water is still coming out (so far, a washing up bowl of it).

The leak appears to be on the pipe between the balance valve and the radiator itself.

Any ideas how I can stop this thing leaking in the short term?

scatmanjohn · 16 Nov 2006

How big is it?

There is a lot of water in a radiator.

If you open the bleed nipple is water still coming out even after you have drained out loads?

If not just keep draining, it will stop.

MarkTasha · 16 Nov 2006

Okay, thanks for the reply. I'll persevere.

It's a single, standard rad, about 1.5 meteres in length

MarkTasha · 16 Nov 2006

Hmmm, water still pouring out of the rad. How long can this go on?

I took off the bleed valve and water was shooting out. It's as if the radiator isn't isolated, despite me tightening up the lockshield valve

Well, looks like I'm going to have to get a 24hr plumber (= very expensive) if I want to go to bed tonight.....

corgiman · 16 Nov 2006

have you shut off both valves?

MarkTasha · 16 Nov 2006

Yep, did that. Admittedly, it is an old radiator, but surely I should be able to isolate it......

corgiman · 16 Nov 2006

was one of them a thermostatic one

how big is the rad there may be a lot of water in it to come out

JohnD · 16 Nov 2006

Best tie up the ball valve in the Feed & Expansion Tank (if you have one) or make sure the filling loop is turned off (if not).

It is possible your old rad valves are not sealing tightly.

MarkTasha · 16 Nov 2006

Yes, one is the thermostatic valve. The other is the lockshield valve (I think that is what it is called. Turned them both clockwise until they wouldn't turn any further.

Rad is 54'' x 24'' (just measured it!) Currently onto 2nd washing up bowl of water.....

I will really resent having to get a plumber out as we have one booked in early December in any case...

corgiman · 16 Nov 2006

the TRV aint shutting right

sorry

MarkTasha · 16 Nov 2006

JohnD said:
Best tie up the ball valve in the Feed & Expansion Tank (if you have one) or make sure the filling loop is turned off (if not).

It is possible your old rad valves are not sealing tightly.

Okay, thanks for your reply, but I have no idea what these are. How might I turn of the 'filling loop'? I'm guessing the feed and expansion tank is the thing in the loft (not even sure we have one). Have to say I'm tempted to turn off the water at the mains so that I can at least go to bed!

Sorry for my ignorance, but then I guess it is people like me that keep plumbers in business!!

corgiman · 16 Nov 2006

do you have a small tank in the loft?

if so tie up the ballvalve so that no water can get in

MarkTasha · 16 Nov 2006

corgiman said:
the TRV aint shutting right

sorry

That is the thermostatic valve, right? Does that mean I'm stuffed?

corgiman · 16 Nov 2006

well unless you drain the system

yes

sorry

MarkTasha · 16 Nov 2006

corgiman said:
do you have a small tank in the loft?

if so tie up the ballvalve so that no water can get in

Nope, no tank in the loft. If I turn off the water at the main, will that stop it for tonight? How long would I have to wait until it stopped leaking?

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Help - Leaking radiator

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