Rust on the outflow valves of newly fitted rads

[montmorency3]

I had new radiators fitted a few months ago by a seemingly reputable plumber. On three of them I've noted a rusty build up around the underside of the nut connecting the valve to the pipe. There also seems to be a stream of rusty discharge on the pipes, but they seem dry. This happened after installation as I painted the pipes once they were in.

Can someone tell me what the problem is, whether it is still a problem (I haven't spotted a leak as such, although have lost pressure a few times) and whether I should do anything about it, and kill the plumber who fitted them? Would really prefer not to have to take the radiators off again or drain the system. Would tightening be okay or can I ensure there's no leak any other way?

Cheers

 

[The Baker]

Have you considered informing the bloke who did the job so he has the opportunity to advise/fix it?

Tim

 

[doitall]

Check them when the system is cold.

Then get the plumber back to tighten the nuts. under warrantee

 

[montmorency3]

I'd like to know what the likely need to fix it is first. He also flooded my downstairs neighbour while replacing my boiler and we got into a bit of a dispute over the whole thing. He wasn't the easiest to deal with and caused me lots of grief, so would only like him back if absolutely necessary.

 

[doitall]

Lets just say if the nuts are leaking there's a good chance they haven't been done up tight, and are likely to pop off and flood the neighbour again

 

[JPC]

they are hardly likely to pop off....just 2 turns of the nut and they wont pop off.
as stated, check when cold. if they leak, most of the time you can do them up. some nuts at valve might require you undo slightly another nut ..if so some water will come out but carry on and most of the time you can sort it this way.