Radiator - Thread gone? Switch off.

[collinsc]

Hi

I have an old style radiator (img below) - it began to leak and my friend said 'the thread has gone' - i dont even know what that means!
He said to 'turn it off' by turning the knob (see to right of img) 90%- it appeared to stop the dripping for a bit, but now it has started again (very slowly).
Advice appreciated on how to fix and how to stop it from dripping!

http://www.google.co.uk/imgres?q=ra...&ndsp=16&ved=1t:429,r:7,s:34&biw=1280&bih=685

Thanks

 

[Boilerman2]

THe image shown is a modern panel radiator form a merchants website!!!
how does this help us to advise you Why not take a picture of the actual leaking radiator and post it on here you will get a much better response!!

 

[collinsc]

thanks for your response. apart from the knobs being the other way round it is identical. i dont have access to a camera at this time. I'm sure the solution is the same regardless of the picture.

 

[Boilerman2]

Have you turned off the valve at each end? youll need a pair of grips to turn off the lockshield after pulling the blind cap off of the valve count the number of turns to completely close the valve, when the rad is put back into service you will then know how far to open the lockshield!

Also do you have the plastic decorator's caps for your TRV's? if you have unscrew the thermostatic head from the valve body and screw on the plastic cap nice and tight!! now cooler mornings and evenings are upon us it could be that your TRV is opening in colder temperatures!

 

[collinsc]

one end ive turned off with grips, and one end is a westherm dial which ive turned to 0 - will that suffice!?

"plastic decorator's caps for your TRV's" -im not sure what these are!?

 

[flameport]

The decorators cap is a small plastic cap which is temporarily fitted in place of the thermostatic head (your 'westherm dial') to ensure the valve is kept closed regardless of the air temperature.

Is the radiator leaking from the top at one end where the bleed screw is?

 

[collinsc]

yes correct! thats where it is leaking...

 

[flameport]

There are 2 realistic options then - if the thread on the small plug has failed, it may be possible to obtain a new plug (or buy another cheap part with one in it and use that).
If the thread in the radiator has failed / rusted, it's time for a new radiator.

A third and not recommended option would be to rethread the hole in the radiator to a larger size and fit a different threaded screw in there. However this has a good chance of totally ruining the radiator.

 

[collinsc]

thanks for the advice. we've decided to seal it for the time being.