Leaking Radiator Valve HELP...

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Hi all,

I have recently moved into a new house and I am experiencing some issues with most of my radiator valves - I am aware the system isn't the finest so wondered if there is anything I can do myself to fix the problem.

I think it is worth mentioning that the boiler pressure keeps dropping to 0 after I have re pressured it (this takes 2-3 days) - I am curious if my leaking valves are the culprit or whether there is a bigger under lying issue... It is a Ferolli f24 combi

The valves themselves are leaking from the flat head screw pictured. I have even screw them closed but of course the radiator still leaks and its cold... It is only fine dribbles of water but I have noticed the carpet/underlay and floorboards are now becoming damp. I have adjusted most of my upstairs valves so they are just open now but they are still leaking water....

Are the screw themselves an issue? If so how do I take them out? Do I need to call in a professional?

Any help would appreciated as I am an absolute novice with all this!

 
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I would drain the system, change valves then top up and add inhibitor being as you have been topping up with fresh water quite a lot.
 
I would drain the system, change valves then top up and add inhibitor being as you have been topping up with fresh water quite a lot.


Thanks Armo!

I am a complete novice with all of this - how do I drain the system and what is an inhibitor? They appear to be worse when the boiler is cooling down - is there a way of replacing the screw or is it not worth it? What type of valve can I replace it with?
 
Fresh water has oxygen in it which will corrode the system components like the radiators on the inside, inhibitor helps prevent this from happening.
How many valves are leaking?
Upstairs or downstairs?
How long has it been happening?
They look like 3/4" so a suitable valve that size would be needed.
 
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You could always try nipping up the gland nut under the flat head screwdriver bit if thats where its leaking from but just be gentle with it.
 
Fresh water has oxygen in it which will corrode the system components like the radiators on the inside, inhibitor helps prevent this from happening.
How many valves are leaking?
Upstairs or downstairs?
How long has it been happening?
They look like 3/4" so a suitable valve that size would be needed.


I see - so I could go ahead and shut the system off and drain one radiator and put the inhibitor in that way - then re pressurise and pop the system back on?

All the valves up stairs are leaking (4 of them) and one downstairs - all the same connectors pictured. I recently had BG come out and he realised the pressure was at 0 - he pressurised the system and I noticed that most of the valves were off or downstairs, in places, closed completely

Ever since I twisted the valves open they have started leaking now..... It's been like this for 2 weeks but noticed around a week ago now.
 
You could always try nipping up the gland nut under the flat head screwdriver bit if thats where its leaking from but just be gentle with it.

I did try, being extremely careful, and its just too stiff it feels like I'm going to bend the piping.... I guess my best bet is replacing the valves as they all look shattered... I presume its best me calling a plumber out to change my valves..
 
It's always advisable to call in a pro if your not sure as water can cause a lot of damage if not worked on properly.
Trust me I've seen enough disasters ;)
 

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