How to Fix Radiator Leak & Similar Problems?
The first signs of a radiator leak on your central heating system, is water on the floors. If you ignore the leak for too long, it will get bigger and it could cause water damage in your home. Standing water causes mildew and mold in a matter of hours. Once the leak becomes bigger, it can lead to flooding, which may damage your property and belongings.
Your best bet is to stop the water as soon as possible, by shutting the valve. When talking about radiator valves, we distinguish between two types:
- Isolated Shut Off Valve
- Thermostatic Radiator Valve (TRV)
But what do you do to fix a radiator leak?
Without fail, whenever we get a call to fix radiator valve issues, it is because there's a leak in the nut under the radiator valve. This can usually be fixed by nipping up the nut. However, overtightening can actually break the olive inside the nut, in which case you will need to get hold of an emergency plumber as soon as possible. When that happens, your plumber will have to drain the central heating in order to fix the leak.
Most often, when there's a radiator leak, it is because the radiator valve is broken, in which case you need to have it replaced. But first, you need to stop the water from dripping (or worse - gushing) and damaging your property, including your carpets and electrics.
Step 1 to Fix Radiator Leaks: Close the Isolated Shut Off Valve
If you spot a leak on your radiator valves, you need to close the isolated shut off valve right away.
The thermostatic radiator valve (TRV) is a self-regulating valve fitted to hot water heating system radiator, to control the temperature of a room by changing the flow of hot water to the radiator. If your radiator has sprung a leak, you need to close the TRV as well.
Step 2 to Fix Radiator Leaks: Call a Plumber
Even DIY-experienced homeowners should not attempt to fix radiator leaks. A misdiagnosis of the radiator leak or a small mistake can cause major hassles.
A professionally qualified plumber will use the correct methods to detect the leak and find its source. He will first turn off the isolated shut off valve in radiator and the thermostatic radiator valve and then allow it to cool down before handling the radiators.
After relieving the pressure, he will remove the radiator according to the manufacturer's instructions and install a new radiator valve.
Radiator maintenance is an important step in preventing calls to the professionals to fix radiator leaks. Get in touch with Hoerner Heating & Plumbing to find out more about our radiator maintenance program, or if you need us to fix a radiator leak today.