How To Fix A Leaking Radiator
If you don’t fix the problem of a leaking radiator, you could end up with your floorboards or carpets ruined. This problem should be mended quickly. Find out if the leaking is caused by something else rather the the valve, if not then soak up the water around the valve and place tissue paper at different parts so your able to see where the leaking is coming from. It’s important to carry out this procedure as water can drip somewhere else making it difficult to find the the original problem.
If you can find the leak coming from the spindle then tighten the gland nut by using a spanner, if that doesn’t work then detach the nut and cover the area down to the spindle in PTFE tape. If the leak is located at the coupling towards the pipe then slightly tighten the nut more as this may be the only mishap, if that fails then drain the radiator and remove the cap nut so that you can take the fitting off and change the olive. Before re-tightening the cap nut, cover PFTE tape around the olive or rub silicone sealant onto it. Corrosion is another reason why i leak may happen, if you leak is because of this then you must fit a new radiator. For a temporary repair, use plastic resin filler where it’s damaged.
If you need to repair the valve then you need to drain the system, making sure the new valve is the same type as the damaged one. Undo the cap nuts connecting the water pipe to the valve using an adjustable spanner but use a wrench to support the body of the valve. At the end of the radiator you should find more cap nuts connecting the adapter in the end to the valve, remove these cap nuts and take the valve out. Also from the radiator, remove the valve adapter and clean the threads in the end. Using PTFE tape, wrap it around the thread of the new adapter and screw into the end of the radiator with a spanner to tighten. Move the new olive and valve cap nut to the other end of the pipe and install the valve, using a wrench hold the valve and line it up with the adapter. Now tighten the cap nuts holding the water pipe to the valve as well as the other ones holding the valve to the adapter. You have now repaired your leaking radiator, check for any leaks and if needed tighten the nuts more.
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