Drain off valve dripping randomly - Situated next to boiler

[SkipFeeney]

Hi,

I have got a drain off valve just above the boiler that randomly weeps, there is no pattern sometimes its fine sometimes its dripping. I have tried to tighten it but its difficult to get to as its situated behind the flue, and you can't get a pair of pliers in. Is there a better tool to use to tighten it and are these known to fail at all?

I am wondering if it leaks when the pipework expands

P80122-145053

• SkipFeeney
• 22 Jan 2018

P80122-145025

• SkipFeeney
• 22 Jan 2018

Its an old potterton boiler about 17 years old.


Thanks

 

[terryplumb]

Is it leaking from where the small square nut is ?? Looks like there might be a leak on the pipework above the soldered joint ??

 

[terryplumb]

The drain valve has a rubber washer inside ,over time the rubber loses its properties and goes hard.you can replace it easy ,but you will have to drain down first. A radiator bleed key may fit on the small square nut.

 

[SkipFeeney]

Is it leaking from where the small square nut is ?? Looks like there might be a leak on the pipework above the soldered joint ??

Hi - No its leaking from the actual drain point - where you attach the hose. Could that still be the rubber washer?

 

[terryplumb]

Yes ,its the rubber seal that stops the water coming out the part where you connect a hose .

 

[Nige F]

Get a thin sponge (washing up type) cut a strip and stick one end up the drain off - any occasional drips will evaporate. Don't try tightening it any more - the washer will split being hardened ( as terryplumb said)