Hot press leak

[DeletedUser]

Hi,

I have just noticed a very small leak in my hot press. In the photos you will see the leak coming from the bottom of the pipe.

I have had the hot water heater on today for an hour or two, but this has never happened before, and if it has i haven't notice it.

The leak is very small, however, I would like to fix it if I can.

The tank is part of a central heating system. Not sure if that matters or not.

I'd appreciate any help or advice you can give me.

Thanks

Chris

 

[Burnerman]

That's called a drain off cock, and under that small square nut is a rubber washer that's supposed to hold the water back.
The chances are, the washer has perished, causing your leak.
Now, here's the risk.....you can try tightening the nut, but if the washer is knackered it could make the leak worse.
That is the cold supply to the copper cylinder, from the tank in the loft, and of course the copper cylinder is full too. The system needs to be drained down to sort this.
John

 

[DeletedUser]

So, at the risk of sounding stupid, if I lift the ball cock in the water storage tank in the attic and run off the taps in the bathroom will this completely drain the system and empty the tank? Will turning off the water at the mains in the house help with this also?

Then will I be able to repair the leak without the risk of completely flooding the house...

Thanks again for the help.

 

[Burnerman]

Not as simple as that, I'm afraid.....tying up the ball valve in the large loft tank will stop the copper cylinder from filling, but even if you open the hot taps, the cylinder remains full.
Therefore, you connect a hose pipe to that drain off cock, open the squared nut and the tank will start to drain.
When it's empty, only then can you remove the squared nut to replace the washer.
You can, of course, tighten that squared nut a bit.....it may work, it may not!
John