Changing Copper Olive on TRV

[RK_London]

Have a slight leak at the bottom of the TRV compression fitting (see picture) after removing radiator for decorating. Assume I need to replace the olive. Do I turn the bottom compression nut left or right to get to the olive?

Any help appreciated. Thanks.

 

[cross thread]

Right to left to undo.have you tried tightening ?
You will need to drain or drop the pressure to work on it

 

[RK_London]

Not tried tightening - thought I might over-tighten and damage pipe. Was planning to drain system before working on olive.

Thanks for the advice.

 

[Scally-Ho]

Why do you have to change the compression ring? A twiff of hemp will cure that leak.

 

[RK_London]

Apologies for my ignorance but what is hemp?

 

[avonmouth]

Apologies for my ignorance but what is hemp?

Dope or rope......just slacken off the nut and wrap some ptfe tape arond a few times and do it up.

 

[RK_London]

Thanks - maybe this is the first thing I should try before removing the olive.

 

[Scally-Ho]

Thanks - maybe this is the first thing I should try before removing the olive.

Changing the ring will cause you all sorts of problems. Have you thought about how you would remove it?

 

[Madrab]

Can I suggest you back the nut off half a turn and then nip it back up again and see if that nips it up before trying anything, that could be all it needs.

 

[evdamadiynot]

I find a few turns of ptfe tape around tbe thread often sorts out minor leaks

 

[HERTS P&D]

I find a few turns of ptfe tape around tbe thread often sorts out minor leaks

Andy

 

[evdamadiynot]

Try it before pulling faces

 

[HERTS P&D]

I'm here to help not learn.

Andy

 

[ChrisJP]

I find a few turns of ptfe tape around tbe thread often sorts out minor leaks

The thread on a compression joint does NOT form any part of the seal. It's the olive, compressed against the pipe and against the compression fitting, that seals the joint. So PTFE tape will/may only work if wrapped around the olive - it won't do anything if wrapped around the threads.

 

[Madrab]

PTFE tape around the threads of a compression fitting is a DIY red flag to an experienced plumber.