Strange tap leaking through ceiling

[Thewillysnap]

Untitled

• Thewillysnap
• 22 Feb 2014
• 1

Hi,

I noticed earlier the ceiling had a damp patch and the plasterboard was soggy. I literally put my hand through it and there seems to be a red tap which is dripping on the washer.

What I can't work out is what this tap is for, it is basically inbetween two copper pipes which run parallel to each other.

I have uploaded a pic, any help is much appreciated!

Many thanks.[/img][/url]

 

[cozzmic]

By-pass on your central heating. Helps prevent pump pushing against a dead end if the trv's are all shut on the rads.

 

[GavThePlumber]

It is a gate valve, could be for heating or service pipes, you will need to trace it.

Gland packing has probably gone in it.

 

[Thewillysnap]

Thanks for your replies,

Is it relatively easy to stop it from dripping? It's not easy to access from above or below so will probably have to cut away the ceiling to access it

Also should this valve be wide open or half open etc? Could it be related to cold radiators if it's open too far and not letting hot water circulate,

Thanks in advance for any help

 

[GavThePlumber]

Is it reatively easy to stop it from dripping?

Yes, replace the gland packing, but don't disturb it too much or it will leak from either end.

It's not easy to access from above or below so will probably have to cut away the ceiling to access it

Unless you live in a bungalow or have a tiled/wood floor above, then cut the floor. If not, cut a box section out of ceiling at 90 degrees on the saw

Also should this valve be wide open or half open etc? Could it be related to cold radiators if it's open too far and not letting hot water circulate

The valve could be used as a balance for the rads or to limit flow to an outlet, you need to find out what it serves.

 

[Thewillysnap]

Hi,

Thanks so much for your replies.

I have tightened up the nut on the gate valve and it's stopped leaking. I have also fully closed the valve and turned the heating on to the normal level.

To my surprise for the first time the downstairs radiators actually get red hot.

My question is can I leave the manual bypass closed?

It's a veissmann Vitodens 100 combi - don't these have a built in bypass valve?

I really do appreciate any advice

Thanks

 

[pallen5000]

Does all or of your radiators have thermostatic valves?

 

[Thewillysnap]

Hi,

The rad in the bathroom and hallway don't have TRV's

Does this likely mean the bypass can stay shut?

Iv had 3 plumbers round about cold rads downstairs and not one of them mentioned it could be a manual bypass gate valve open, I'm glad it started leaking!

 

[Nige F]

that could`ve been 4 plumbers I had a hidden bypass like that on a M8`s flat - neednot have been there at all due to no trv on bathroom rad : . Found it when we cleared out a load of junk in a cupboard

 

[ianmcd]

you can leave your By-Pass valve closed if you have the 2 rads you mention without TRV`s