Replacing pressure release valve

[Malakym]

I've got what I think is a 1/2" 3 bar Watt(?) branded release valve with a leak above it. Though its extremely slow as nothing is pooling below (I left a container under it for the last *cough* year...)

It looks like its coming from the compression fit above it - but should I just consider replacing the whole valve unit?

I can find them but I'm not sure what is between the compression fit and the valve itself as these aren't on the ones that are for sale. Or at least what that would be called to look for one.



Edit: Now I look at my own photo (from below), it looks like the leak might be in the next compression fitting up.

Thanks
Hope you're all having a good Christmas.

 

[muggles]

Yeah, next one up, just nip it up a bit

 

[Harry Bloomfield]

Maybe the photo, but it looks as if the fitting is barely on the pipe - it looks as if it is out of alignment with the copper pipe, so tightening might well make the leak worse.

 

[Malakym]

I had a closer look and its not as bad as the photo makes it out to be, but its not dead on.

I will be replacing the automatic bypass valve and fill loop valves soon so this circuit will be drained - new olives and a (possibly longer) big of pipe?

Is it worth a preventative change of the valve? (8-10 years old).

 

[MeldrewsMate]

Is it worth a preventative change of the valve? (8-10 years old).

No. Unless it's dripping (passing) there is no reason to do so...that would be like preventively changing your house bricks!
Just give it a wipe down with a wet rag after the pipe repair, to remove the blue-green deposits.

 

[Harry Bloomfield]

No. Unless it's dripping (passing) there is no reason to do so...that would be like preventively changing your house bricks!
Just give it a wipe down with a wet rag after the pipe repair, to remove the blue-green deposits.

+1 When they fail, they pass water. Often that will be because they have done the job they were designed for and opened under excess pressure, then grit an debris from the system gets trapped under the valve seat, so they continue to leak.

 

[Malakym]

I actually have another pressure valve leaking on the hot water tank (leaks when cold), which will be replaced. These share the same overflow to outside, though I'm pretty sure its not the heating loop at the same time.

No. Unless it's dripping (passing) there is no reason to do so...that would be like preventively changing your house bricks!
Just give it a wipe down with a wet rag after the pipe repair, to remove the blue-green deposits.

Whilst it might not be the case, I've seen in a couple of places that the valves are considered to have a finite life. Bricks aren't exactly a moving item to be fair, though I will take the recommendation onboard.

 

[MeldrewsMate]

Bricks aren't exactly a moving item to be fair...

Fair enough, not meant to be a controvertial point, but a PRV is not meant to 'move' either, unless something else goes wrong.

 

[Malakym]

No worries, thanks for the input, I can't complain with having one less thing to replace.