What is this valve and why is it leaking?

[Joseph83]

This valve is coming from one of the pipes that go directly up into my Valiant Ecotec boiler.

It is dripping water, filling that green bowl every 6 hours or so.

I assume its a pressure relief valve? But the pressure is not any higher than it always is - The boiler is working fine and pressure is 1.7bar, which is the same as always.

 

[Gasguru]

No it's just a simple drain down valve.
Try tightening the squarish spindle on the end a little.
If it still leaks it will need a new washer inside.

 

[Joseph83]

Okay, thanks. Will try that.

 

[pete50]

Be very careful if you do not know what you are doing. As said it is a drain down valve. Taking it apart to replace the washer could result in a flood especially if you keep the pressure on the boiler.

 

[Joseph83]

Be very careful if you do not know what you are doing. As said it is a drain down valve. Taking it apart to replace the washer could result in a flood especially if you keep the pressure on the boiler.

Thanks, I wouldn't attempt taking it apart - if tightening it up doesn't work I would get someone in to replace it. I'm an 'easy fix = DIY but dismantle/reassemble = call the pro's' type of guy when it comes to boilers.

But it looks like just tightening it has worked for now - no more dripping.

The boiler was serviced about 3 weeks ago so perhaps the engineer just didn't tighten it back up fully after he did what he needed to with the valve.