Radiator leak (in wall)

[HadAGo]

Hello,

Last night when cleaning I took one of the radiators off the wall to dust off the wall behind (downstairs and thermostat controlled) when the pipe coming out of the wall started to shoot out water, I quickly turned the water / boiler off and grabbed a bucket to catch the water until it drained.

It looks as though there is a slash mark which has been done on installation, as I’ve never had it off the wall before as I just usually tilt it I’ve never noticed it.

When putting the radiator back on the wall the leak stops as the pipe is forced back into position, I don’t want to attempt to seal the leak as the force of the water is quite strong so I feel as though it would be a matter of time before it started to leak, plus there would be no way of knowing if it was back in the ‘correct’ position as it is now.

I’m struggling to find the name of the pipes, I’ve been Googling / YouTube’in radiator installations but nothing seems to match, does anyone know what they are? (See attached photo).

Is there anyway for me to cut out the section of pipe and fit some kind of connector to join then back together, or replace the section coming out of the radiator and join it to the part where I cut?

I’ve put a black line roughly where the slit is.

Bit lost with this one so any help is appreciated.

 

[dilalio]

Says polypipe on the pipe so, polypipe coupling of the size you need... 10 or 15mm!

 

[HadAGo]

Says polypipe on the pipe so, polypipe coupling of the size you need... 10 or 15mm!

Brilliant thank you, any idea on the tools I will need?

I have had a look at a few pipe cutters, I guess a manual one will be ok with it being plastic?

Do I need an insert for the pipe or can I just cut and fit the two sections together?

 

[HadAGo]

Going to attempt this in a day or so, struggling to find the correct parts - I’ve seen one which allows you to join two parts together without the coupling ‘box’ which would be great as it would still allow the radiator to fit on the wall.

Unable to find any to buy though!

 

[dontbelieveawordofit]

why is nobody telling him radiators aren’t meant to be removed to dust behind?

 

[Madrab]

Where exactly is it leaking from? Is it from a point somewhere along the pipe at the box on the wall or is it at one of the valves?

 

[Madrab]

If it's at part of the pipe then you need to use a stanley (or a pair of proper pipe cutters if you really want), cut the pipe square at the burst, cut out the damaged piece, clean the paint off the pipe and then use a 10mm push fit coupler and a couple of inserts and join it back together.

As a DIYer though, it may not be the easiest to get polypipe fittings and JG or HEP may be the easier option.

 

[HadAGo]

why is nobody telling him radiators aren’t meant to be removed to dust behind?

The radiators are lightweight and are held in place by a clip either side, no issue unhooking them to get behind them. Bit of a rare case to have a split in the pipe.

 

[HadAGo]

If it's at part of the pipe then you need to use a stanley (or a pair of proper pipe cutters if you really want), cut the pipe square at the burst, cut out the damaged piece, clean the paint off the pipe and then use a 10mm push fit coupler and a couple of inserts and join it back together.

As a DIYer though, it may not be the easiest to get polypipe fittings and JG or HEP may be the easier option.

Thanks for all of that, going to give it a shot.

 

[denso13]

Thanks for all of that, going to give it a shot.

Just remember the inserts should really be the same make as the pipe, i.e. polypipe.

 

[Madrab]

yup do agree with denso13 , if you can get polypipe fittings then always use the pipe manufacturers fittings.

As suggested though it may not be the easiest as not everyone carries polypipe stuff but if you scan online enough then you should be able to find them.

 

[HadAGo]

Cheers guys, I’ve managed to track down the manufacturer parts, although some other brands do look more secure, so I’ve bought them too as a backup.

Last question... what’s the difference between an insert and a pipe hardener as the image is the same for both or are they the same but one is a pack of 20 and they changed the name?

 

[denso13]

or are they the same but one is a pack of 20

Just the same but allows bulk buying.

 

[HadAGo]

Just the same but allows bulk buying.

Thought so thank you but noticed the change in text from insert to stiffener, although that’s what an insert is I guess!

 

[dilalio]

Well you can't insert it if it isn't stiff!