Leaking radiator

[mp129]

Evening all,

One of our radiators is leaking, apparently from the bottom middle.

I'll get a plumber in asap, but my qestion is this. Is it safe to use the central heating in the meantime or would that make the leak worse? Also, should I turn it off at the valve?

Any advice much appreciated.
Thanks.

 

[Jurassicspark]

Turn the radiator off from the lockshield valve.

 

[mp129]

Thank you, I will.

Presumably that will take the pressure off in order not to worsen the leak?

 

[Harry Bloomfield]

Thank you, I will.

Presumably that will take the pressure off in order not to worsen the leak?

Turn both valves off, one at either end of the radiator. If they turn properly to closed, then once the pressure in the radiator, is the same as atmosphere, the leak should stop.

If the leak is on a flat part of the radiator, often you can seal it, using a self tapper, screwed into the hole, fitted with a rubber washer..

 

[Jurassicspark]

Presumably that will take the pressure off in order not to worsen the leak?

It will still leak the same as it is doing now. Turning it off from the lockshield won't make it leak more when the C/H is running.

More chance is that the plumber will get the radiator replaced therefore you don't need to worry about the damage of the radiator.

 

[mp129]

Thanks both. Much appreciated.

I won't attempt a repair because I would worry constantly about when it would leak again. It's an upstairs radiator, so the potential damage isn't worth the risk.

The real worry is that the radiator is only either two or four years old. We replaced them all in two goes and I can't remember whether it was included in the first lot or the second. Now I'm wondering which of the others will be next.

Are modern radiators really this flaky? We've never had any problems in previous houses.

 

[Harry Bloomfield]

Are modern radiators really this flaky? We've never had any problems in previous houses.

Are you certain, you have inhibiter added, and the appropriate amount, to the water?

 

[Exedon]

Assuming it's been installed correctly your rad is probably in warranty most rads now 10 years or more.

 

[mp129]

@ Harry. I have no idea what inhibiter even is...

@ Exedon. Who would be liable, the manufacturer, the seller or the installer?

 

[Exedon]

@ Exedon. Who would be liable, the manufacturer, the seller or the installer?

manufacturer via the merchant they came from if installer supplied they are your first call.

 

[mp129]

Thanks Exedon.
The Installer supplied it. Reputable company. I'll contact them.

 

[Harry Bloomfield]

@ Harry. I have no idea what inhibiter even is...

It's a small bottle, which contains a solution, which helps prevent your system rusting away from the inside. A lack of it, can cause numerous problems - the rust scale can obstruct your pipe-work, and the fine water passages in modern boilers. It can also cause the scale to collect and block up radiators, along with pinholes to develop in radiators, which then leak.

If your system has been run without inhibiter, then your boiler manufacture can reject a claim on the warranty.

The lack of it, can be a very expensive mistake for the customer, but can take years before it is noticed. The way to check, is to draw off some of the system water, from a bleed point - it should be clear, and not at all rust-coloured. Then leave some in a jar, and add a couple of clean, rust free nails. The inhibiter should prevent the nails from rusting, for a week.

 

[mp129]

Thanks Harry.

I'll draw some water off and give it a try...

I've turned both valves off. The one on the opposite side to the lockshield valve is a thermostatic valve. I assume that's what you meant?

 

[Harry Bloomfield]

I've turned both valves off. The one on the opposite side to the lockshield valve is a thermostatic valve. I assume that's what you meant?

Yes, set the TRV to zero, or even better, you can buy a cap which closes the TRV.

 

[mp129]

One slight problem. None of the radiators are working now. The boiler isn't kicking in, although it was earlier...