radiator leak

jooles · Posted: Fri Dec 22, 2006 9:19 pm Post Subject: radiator leak

Hi my bathroom radiator leaked from the valve and was fixed by replacing it, now 4 days later my living room one is leaking. The water has to be turned off cos the leak won't stop so no hot water or heating. Can the two leaks be linked somehow or is it just coincidence? thanks.

JohnD · Posted: Fri Dec 22, 2006 9:59 pm Post Subject:

It's very often because they're equally old, and are wearing out at about the same time. I am guessing that they are weeping past the spindle. Sometimes if you screw them all the way out (or all the way in) it will stop dripping.

If you replace them yourself, this could be a good opportunity to buy a dozen new lockshields (some with integral drain-off) and a dozen new TRVs, and renew the lot.

That way you only have to drain down and get your tools out once every ten years or so. Summer is the best time to do it, though, when you won't mind having the boiler off for a weekend. Give it a chemical clean, and refill with inhibitor.

Unless the drip is significant (it will ruin your carpet) you might consider putting a pan under it until Christmas is out of the way.

p.s. Do you have a Combi boiler? Is the pressure too high? (this is often because the Filling Loop has been left connected).

If you system is topped up by a feed and expansion tank in the loft, this does not apply.

weareleeds · Posted: Sat Dec 23, 2006 4:36 pm Post Subject:

If you have a sealed system )ie combi) i bet that you have old valves which don't meet bs2767 so as previously posted change them all but insist on good quality valves that will cope with at least 3 bar pressure

ollski · Posted: Sat Dec 23, 2006 4:47 pm Post Subject:

can you not repack the gland?

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