How To Stop A Radiator From Leaking

Radiators are an integral part of the home and help us create a warm and cosy environment when we need it most. It’s not unusual to experience problems with our radiators over time, but luckily for us, a lot of the issues we might find are easily fixed with a bit of know-how.

One of the most common problems that we might come across ranges from cold patches to leaks – and whether it’s a column radiator or a designer radiator, there are ways that you can deal with the issues without any major disruption. If you’re having difficulties with a leaky radiator, read on to find out more about what might be causing this and how you can fix it.

How to identify a leak

One of the most obvious ways that you can tell if your radiator is leaking is if you have noticed water pooling under your radiator. You must act on this as soon as you can – leaking water can cause damage to your floor, or ceiling if your radiator is upstairs. One of the first things to check before you can start correcting the problem is to make sure your radiator is still heating up as it should. If it is, you can use the following steps to help you find out where the leak is coming from.

1. Dry your radiator completely using an old towel, this will allow you to see more easily where the leak is coming from.
2. Use some kitchen roll or tissue and move it around the body of the radiator – keep checking for dampness.
3. Do the same thing to the bleed point or valve, as well as the pipe that brings water to heat your radiator.

Taking these three steps will help you identify where the leak is coming from, and then you can take steps toward fixing the problem.

Radiator valve or gland?

Knowing the parts of your radiator is essential when carrying out repairs. The radiator valve controls the output of heat from your radiator by changing the flow of water. This can sometimes spring a leak but can often be fixed by tightening it up. If that doesn’t fix your issue, you may need to look at replacing the valve altogether.

Under the plastic cap that sits on your control value is the radiator gland nut – another common component that can suffer leaks. If the radiator gland is leaking, you can fix this easily with seal tape. To do this, make sure you turn off the valve, and the lockshield valve if the water is still leaking from the radiator. Remove the cap that sits on top of the valve and unscrew the nut. Wrap a long length of tape around the spindle – and push it into the valve with a screwdriver. Screw the nut and plastic cap back on. This should rectify any issues with the radiator gland.

If tightening the valve or taping the gland doesn’t fix the issue, you should contact a plumber for an expert opinion.

How to fix a pinhole leak

A pinhole is when the leak is coming from the main part of the radiator itself. If you think your radiator has one of these leaks, it may be because of a build-up of sludge or because of corrosion.  These leaks tend to be very small and can be difficult to identify – but without acting quickly, it could end up with you needing a replacement radiator. There are ways that you can fix pinholes yourself by using a leak sealer which can block any leaks coming from inside of the radiator. Unfortunately, this will only work for small holes and is only a measure that should be used temporarily.

How to fix a spindle leak

The spindle links the radiator to your pipework – another part of the radiator that you might notice leaking. Fortunately, if you do find the spindle is the cause of your leak, all you have to do is tighten the gland nut. If this doesn’t solve your problem, wrapping sealing tape down the spindle can also help, be sure to tighten the nut back up once you’ve done this.

Is it time for a new radiator?

Radiators can heat your home effectively for many years and don’t require much maintenance. There are a few things that you can do to make sure you’re getting the best out of the radiators in your home, such as checking them for cold spots and bleeding them when necessary and making sure you’re not drying clothes on them, as this can cause your radiator to rust.

If your radiator springs a leak and you don’t think you’re able to fix it yourself, calling a plumber is always the best thing to do. They can advise you on whether the problem is something that can be fixed, or if you require a new radiator.

Pin It!