Pipe Leak at Radiator valve

[JamieB3009]

Hello, I have a leak coming from where the pipe enters the bottom of a radiator valve. The heating system uses plastic pipe, 10mm (see below). The replacement valve I have purchased has a backnut with a metal olive in it. Can olived fittings be used with plastic pipe, or does a specialist valve need to be used?

Thanks

 

[terryplumb]

The existing valve has an olive ,which will remain on the grey push fit stem elbow ,together with the nut ,when you undo the nut from the fitting.
Is your new valve 10mm or 15mm inlet ?

 

[JamieB3009]

The existing valve has an olive ,which will remain on the grey push fit stem elbow ,together with the nut ,when you undo the nut from the fitting.
Is your new valve 10mm or 15mm inlet ?

Thanks. 10mm valve inlet on new one. Wasnt sure if there was a difference in valves needed for metal vs plastic pipe. CHeers.

 

[Agile]

BUT and very important!

The plastic fitting entering the compression fitting MUST have an insert fitted inside it.

I only like the stainless steel ones but most sold are the plastic ones which I do not trust very much!

 

[DP]

Hello, I have a leak coming from where the pipe enters the bottom of a radiator valve. The heating system uses plastic pipe, 10mm (see below). The replacement valve I have purchased has a backnut with a metal olive in it. Can olived fittings be used with plastic pipe, or does a specialist valve need to be used?

Thanks
View attachment 295537

Have you tried to tighten the capnut?
Quite possible it just needs tightening.
Also check if the valve is wet as valve spindle can be worn out resulting above condition

 

[Jackrae]

Changing the valve might cause you more broblems than you already have as you will now be dealing with several leak points.
From the photograph it appears as if the elbow isn't correctly aligned to the valve. This being the case there's a chance the elbow is creeping out of the valve. Once you have reduced the system pressure, you should undo the nut connecting the elbow to the valve to ensure the elbow is fully inserted into the valve.

 

[DIYWell]

Building on @DP ...
1) take the plastic cap off the valve body. Check if there is water leaking out where the spindle comes out. If there is, try tightening the nut (1/8th turn) that the spindle goes through. There's a rubber washer in there that perishes over time.
2) try tightening the nut where the plastic pipe joins to the rad. Perhaps 1/8th of a turn.

Use a piece of tissue to see if it's wet - it's very good at absorbing water.

If that doesn't stop the leak, then you are into valve replacement territory.

 

[DP]

BUT and very important!

The plastic fitting entering the compression fitting MUST have an insert fitted inside it.

I only like the stainless steel ones but most sold are the plastic ones which I do not trust very much!

Tony that elbow, unless I am mistaken, will have the insert already in place ( at least that is what I find when a reducer or adapter is sold as a fitting)
Insert material is decided by the makers and personal preference is just that- personal preference