LEAK IN HEATING PIPE UNDER CONCRETE.

[tvman]

HI. I AM AFTER SOME HELPFULL TIPS AND ADVICE FOR THE FOLLOWING PROBLEM.
I HAVE A COMBI BOILER WHICH HAS BEEN LOSING PRESSURE ON A REGULAR BASIS OVER THE LAST FEW MONTHS. I HAVE JUST DISCOVERED A WET PATCH UNDER THE CARPET IN THE HALL UNDER ONE OF THE RADIATORS . THERE APPEARS TO BE A LEAK FROM THE PIPE THAT FEEDS THE RADIATOR . THE HOUSE IS ABOUT 35 YEARS OLD AND ITS SMALL BORE PIPING. I THINK THE LEAK IS NEAR THE SURFACE AS THE WET AREA IS FAIRLY SMALL. I AM GOING TO CHISEL OUT THE CONCRETE AND TRY AND EXPOSE THE LEAK . WHAT I NEED FROM THE EXPERTS IS ANY TIPS AND HELP TO TRY AND RESOLVE THIS WITHOUT MAKING A PIGS EAR OUT OF IT. MANY THANKS TV MAN.

 

[tvman]

I FORGOT TO SAY THAT THIS RADIATOR IS RIGHT NEXT TO THE FRONT DOOR SO THERE IS A LOT OF FOOT TRAFFIC OVER WHERE THE PIPE IS BURIED. TV MAN

 

[Burnerman]

Expose the underground pipe by starting at the point where it exits the floor heading for the radiator, and carefully chisel away the concrete until the entire pipe is exposed. Find a convenient place where the pipe can be cut into, and the joint can be re-made there. Encase any new pipework in some flexible conduit pipe to prevent further attack before screeding over. Cheers John

 

[gas4you]

From my experience, once you fix one leak you will probably get another in a few months time

 

[kevplumb]

this is one of those times your better off with plastic

 

[ollie3686]

would a leak sealer not work? it would for me with a leaking joint. i know its a different problem but for the sake of a tenner is it worth a go before hacking the floor up?

hopefully some plumbers can advise you on this because im not one.

 

[david17uk]

Fernox Leak sealer worked for me too.

Give it a try, easier than wrecking floor

 

[tvman]

Thank you all for your input, I thought about leak sealer but as its small bore piping I am a bit wary, any thoughts on that , Regards TV man

 

[gas4you]

As to date I have never had any leak sealer last for more than about 4 months.

It will depend on how big the 'hole' is as to whether it will work

 

[tvman]

I think I will try the Fernox Superconcentrate leak sealer , its worth a try before trying to expose the leak. Regards TV man.