Very minor leak on new radiator valve

[macadonald]

Hi Guys,

I've just plumbed in a new radiator, which involved moving it to another location. A local plumbing shop gave me some very helpful advice throughout, and all has gone well apart from a very very minor leak where the valve extension screws into the radiator (almost surprised there was only 1 leak ). I used tape rather than the silicon stuff on the thread, but once all pressured up, it drips about once every 30 sec to a minute. Not much at all, but clearly something.

Without having to drain the entire system and disconnect that joint, is there another option to stop it leaking. Silicon from the outside or wait a couple of days and see if it seals from the inside with the gunk in the system?

Many thanks

 

[TicklyT]

Leaks rarely get better by themselves, so there's not really any alternative to re-making the leaking joint.
At least you only have to close both valves and drain just the radiator you are working on.

Use plenty of PTFE tape on the tapered threads of the tail. I keep winding it on until the end of the fitting will only just start in the hole. Sometimes that takes 20 or more turns of tape.

 

[macadonald]

Many thanks. I followed your advise and all is workign perfectly now.