Leak from a radiator but unable to find source of it

EchoEmber · 02-12-2023 07:20PM #1

So having an odd issue with a leak from one of the radiators and wondering if someone can help.

Few weeks ago we notice slight moisture in the ground floor ceiling. Initially we couldn't find where the leak was coming from, so I put some tissue paper below the radiator value and lo and behold it was wet the next day. However during the day I have the heating on and don't notice any leaks. The leak itself seems quite substantial in the morning as a towel itself will be fairly wet.

Any idea how to isolate where the leak is coming from and why it doesn't seem to be any dripping when the heating is on ? Attaching some pictures, note the moisture on the wall is from a very wet towel that was wrapped around the value one day.

Hobby farmer · 02-12-2023 07:35PM

Does it leak if you press down and hold the pin in the second Pic when heating is on?

EchoEmber · 02-12-2023 09:06PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121446324#Comment_121446324

I will check it out tomorrow and let you know. We only bought the house few month ago, and still haven't moved into it yet. But if it is leaking, is it a bad sign, would it be a faulty value that needs replacing ?

Hobby farmer · 02-12-2023 10:12PM

Yes quite likely, however if one of the compression fittings is leaking a little tighten could solve the problem. To be honest youre as well off replace it, it looks pretty old anyway. Have you heat now? The pressure must be down on the system?

EchoEmber · 03-12-2023 08:34AM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121446896#Comment_121446896

So it is a house that we bought recently and haven't moved into it fully. But we do turn on the heating whenever we are there painting it for an hour or two now with the cold.

The fact that it wasn't leaking all the time when the heating was running was what that confused me (and still does as the leak only shows up the next day) and was initially thinking the source of the leak was somewhere else.

EchoEmber · 03-12-2023 09:13AM

One final newbie question, should I be calling a plumber or a RGI to get this value replaced ?

Xcellor · 03-12-2023 09:40AM

Just tighten the fittings. It's odd it doesn't leak when heating is on as I would have imagined there was greater pressure with heating on. However maybe the heat is causing expansion and its sealing albeit temporarily. In any case I don't see a need for plumber at this point... certainly not a registered gas installer

Hobby farmer · 03-12-2023 09:47AM

I think when the trv shuts off and pressure builds behind it the compression is letting by a bit. A plumber will sort it OP but you might struggle to get one for such a small job.

astrofool · 03-12-2023 01:35PM

You could combine it with a boiler service/flush the system if you haven't done that since you bought the place (just be aware of finding other issues).

EchoEmber · 03-12-2023 04:48PM

Thanks all - after some patients I am noticing that there is some drips coming from below the nut towards the backside as I could feel the moisture this morning. Any good recommendation for plumbers in North Dublin, please let me know :-D

astrofool · 04-12-2023 06:34PM

I would give it a little nip (small turn with spanner) and see if that solves it before getting a plumber.

EchoEmber · 04-12-2023 09:23PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121454147#Comment_121454147

Yeah we tried that, doesn't seem to help. Issue only seems to be happening when the room gets cold and assuming the compression nut is contracting slightly causing the leak (which seems to be less than a drip)

Water John · 05-12-2023 04:04PM

Tighten when the system is cold not hot.

EchoEmber · 06-12-2023 09:12PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121458030#Comment_121458030

Oh will try that.

Leak from a radiator but unable to find source of it

Comments