Leaking radiator valve

[Larry1990]

Hi guys,

I've just found water slowly leaking out of the top of my radiator valve, just what you want to find on a Friday night

Is this fixable temporarily til I can get to one of of the sheds for a new one?

The rad is pretty old it's never had a cap since I lived here. Not entirely sure what I'm doing but I have a spanner and PTFE tape if anything is possible?

Cheers

Larry

 

[terryplumb]

is there a slot in there for a screwdriver or Allen key ?
Odd looking valve ,thought it had part missing at first glance

 

[Larry1990]

Hey Terry, yes there is a slotted screwdriver of some sort. I tried tightening it but it doesn't stop the water.

Cheers

Larry

 

[terryplumb]

Try turning it anticlockwise a few turns ( a bit more water may flow out ,be ready with a towel) and then screw down clockwise fully. Use the widest screwdriver possible.

 

[Larry1990]

Thanks Terry, I gave that a try but no luck, it's trickling out now, have tightened it as much as I can.

 

[terryplumb]

New valve required then.
Is system pressurised or fed from a loft tank ?
I wonder how much you can unscrew the thing outward ,without it spewing water out. If you can raise it enough to expose some of its thread ,you may be able to wrap some PTFE tape on the thread,and screw it back down. Bit risky though ,you don't want it flying out !!!

 

[Larry1990]

Thank you for your help Terry, it's fed from a loft tank, does that make any different to wether to attempt to get some PTFE on it?

 

[terryplumb]

There is still water present ,just under less pressure ,so a bit less of a risk.

 

[Larry1990]

Thanks Terry, appreciate it.

 

[Madrab]

There should be a little screw cap that goes onto the top of that valve, do you have that?

 

[terryplumb]

There should be a little screw cap that goes onto the top of that valve, do you have that?

OP told us in his first post he has never had a cap since living there Madrab ,unfortunately.

 

[45yearsagasman]

Open the valve to allow the rad to work, then stick a cork or some sort of rubber bung in the top until you get the valve replaced.

 

[Madrab]

OP told us in his first post he has never had a cap since living there Madrab ,unfortunately.

Doh ....

 

[Larry1990]

Thank you for your help folks, valve replaced and heating back on just in time for the snow.

 

[terryplumb]

Merry Xmas and happy new valve