Connecting Radiator valves

billm · 8 Feb 2024

When connecting radiator valves to the radiator do you
a) use PTFE tape on the threads
b) use Plumbers Mait paste on the threads
c) use nothing just screw them together
d) use LS-X or similar

I've refitted loads of radiators DIY over the years and never really thought .. am I doing it the way plumbers do

What's the correct way?
thanks

terryplumb · 8 Feb 2024

Various ways to do it ,all requiring sealing the threads. PTFE tape is probably the most widely used in the trade ,a smear of LSX sometimes with it.

johnny2007 · 8 Feb 2024

PTFE tape.

Madrab · 8 Feb 2024

Presume you are talking about the tails going into the rad, rather than the valves being connected to the tails? If the former then I use gas PTFE tape, 7 wraps on the tail the opposite to the way it tightens into the tapping, so the tape doesn't unravel.

billm · 8 Feb 2024

Madrab said:
Presume you are talking about the tails going into the rad, rather than the valves being connected to the tails? If the former then I use gas PTFE tape, 7 wraps on the tail the opposite to the way it tightens into the tapping, so the tape doesn't unravel.

No I wasn't I meant the Chrome Lockshield / TRV connection to the rad. I normally just use white PTFE on those but occasionally you get one that won't seal and of course its a pita once the rads filled up and you try to get some LSX on it.

I've done radiator tails as well just using white PTFE. Sounds like the thicker yellow PTFE is a better solution for those with a coarser thread. thanks

opps · 8 Feb 2024

I am not a plumber...

Plumber's Mate is not designed for use on threads.

If you are talking about removing old valves and using new ones, in my experience, there is a risk that that the olive has been overtightened in the past.

Working in my own home, I have encountered olives that have kinked the copper pipes. I had to cut the pipes back and extend in a new piece.

Ideally, new copper pipe work should not need PTFE or anything else.

Notch7 · 8 Feb 2024

billm said:
No I wasn't I meant the Chrome Lockshield / TRV connection to the rad. I normally just use white PTFE on those but occasionally you get one that won't seal and of course its a pita once the rads filled up and you try to get some LSX on it.

I've done radiator tails as well just using white PTFE. Sounds like the thicker yellow PTFE is a better solution for those with a coarser thread. thanks

thats a standard compression fitting with an olive

so you only need to use you sealant of choice on the olive -I use LSX currently although its an awfully sticky sort of silicone type stuff -and it needs time to cure before putting water in the the system ideally

plumbers mait is just for sealing sinks I believe

the thread doesnt seal so pointless trying to seal it

opps · 8 Feb 2024

Notch7 said:
thats a standard compression fitting with an olive

so you only need to use you sealant of choice on the olive -I use LSX currently although its an awfully sticky sort of silicone type stuff -and it needs time to cure before putting water in the the system ideally

plumbers mait is just for sealing sinks I believe

the thread doesnt seal so pointless trying to seal it

I thought that LSX used water to speed curing- albeit not pressurised water?

Madrab · 8 Feb 2024

billm said:
No I wasn't I meant the Chrome Lockshield / TRV connection to the rad.

If they are new - shouldn't need anything at all if the valve is on straight, just a good nip up. Only if the nut and olive is being re-used that a wrap or 2 of tape may be needed.

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Connecting Radiator valves

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