paint bubbling up on radiator - advice?

worthchanging · 19 Jan 2017

So I have this on one of the rads

Is this picture suggestive of an imminent leak from the radiator?
It has been like this for a couple of years now with no visible change, unless vvvery slow..
A plumber did point it out a couple of years back and said he'd consider replacing, but I never got around.
Is it a good idea to replace the rad soon, or can it be perhaps leak-proofed cheaper/easily?
Could it possibly start leaking much suddenly, or would it always start as a slow drip first, giving me time to get someone in?..

Thanks a lot!

JohnD · 19 Jan 2017

looks like a rust leak.

Start saving up for a new one. It could give way suddenly if it is relying on a thin skin of paint over the hole.

If it leaks onto your carpet or floor, it is likely to damage it and leave a permanent stain.

better to deal with it at a time of your choosing.

Consider doing a chemical clean to wash out some of the sediment from your system. Bale out all the mud from your F&E tank and sponge it clean to avoid it running down into the system. When you have finished work, add a corrosion inhibitor at final fill.

45yearsagasman · 19 Jan 2017

It may also be a plastic cover over the air vent screw. It may be that the air bleed screw has leaked in the past.

dilalio · 19 Jan 2017

45yearsagasman said:
It may also be a plastic cover over the air vent screw. It may be that the air bleed screw has leaked in the past.

+1
Looks like a pop cap to me.
Can you pop it off and take another photo?
Still, doesn't look great does it!

BigSnoopy01 · 19 Jan 2017

change it.

JohnD · 19 Jan 2017

if it starts to leak, screw down the valves to closed at BOTH ends. The lockshield valve might have a cover over the spindle. Take that off in case you need to close it in a hurry. I'd also close the valves before trying any scraping, popping or exploratory work on the rad.

worthchanging · 23 Jan 2017

Thanks for the answers so far.

dilalio said:
+1
Looks like a pop cap to me.
Can you pop it off and take another photo?
Still, doesn't look great does it!

There you go. Does it make clearer as to what is going on?

dilalio · 23 Jan 2017

worthchanging said:
Thanks for the answers so far.

There you go. Does it make clearer as to what is going on?
View attachment 112801

Well, it has obviously leaked over time at the air vent. If it is still leaking it will continue to corrode the tapping and will need replacing. If it not leaking now, you could try shutting the rad off and cleaning it up but I would change the rad.

HERTS P&D · 23 Jan 2017

Change it.

Andy

ianmcd · 23 Jan 2017

just replace it radiators are not expensive

Agile · 23 Jan 2017

It has been leaking for a long time.

Almost certainly it will never turn again.

I would leave it until you feel inclined to change it. Most unlikely to start leaking very quickly.

But I would not use cleansers in the system as they could dissolve the rust that is sealing it and promote faster leaking.

Tony

worthchanging · 31 Jan 2017

many thanks everyone for your answers - it seems I still have some options

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paint bubbling up on radiator - advice?

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