subject: Fix your leaking radiators and pipes [print this page] It is very annoying when you notice a wet spot on your flooring from where your radiator or pipes have leaked and it is important to identify the source of these leaks, and then to seal them or replace the damaged component to prevent further damage to carpets and flooring. Before attempting to stop a leak it is necessary to know exactly where the water is coming from, as it may not be coming from where you expect. Dry all the wet areas and then use tissue to determine the exact source of the leak. Leaks can occur in both old and brand new heating systems which have not been completely flushed prior to installation.
Either old sludge or corrosive installation debris remains within the radiator leading to metal corrosion which eventually creates very small holes which lead to leakages. There is a simple solution to this, however it is not recommended to be carried out without adequate knowledge and experience. A trained technician will need to flush out your radiators to eliminate the problem and then use a leak sealer to prevent any future leaks. On new heating systems it is not recommended that you try and use a leak sealer alone without having the system flushed fully. This is because the initial debris that caused the problems will continue to circulate in the heating system and could potentially cause more problems creating extensive damage. Another solution to this, especially if it is an old radiator, is to remove the radiator and fit a brand new one, ensuring the system is flushed thoroughly before fitting.
If the leak is coming from a valve connecting to the pipe work then you may need to repair the joint. Before attempting to do this the system will need to be thoroughly drained and then the joint redone, ensuring there is a seal when the nut is tightened. However if the leak is coming from a valve on the other side of the radiator then you must turn both valves off and fully drain the radiator and then use thread seal tape around the joints before reassembling to prevent future leaks. Thread seal tape can be used as an adequate solution for a number of different types of leaks. Another leak it can be used for is spindle leaks. If you have a leak coming from the spindle then remove the nut, put thread seal tape into the spindle and replace the nut. Another solution for many leaks is to tighten the nut which may have become slightly loose and thus releasing very small amounts of water, however it is important not to tighten these too much otherwise it will damage the joint.
