HOW TO REPAIR A LEAKING RADIATOR VALVE - Plumbing Tips

[@plumberparts]

*Links to the tools I use everyday here:* www.amazon.co.uk/shop/plumberparts Plus, follow my *Vlog “TimesWithJames”:* kzbin.info

[@Inisfad]

My radiator leak was at the last one indicated on this video…..I tried to do the fix with the PTFE tape, which didn’t work. I also tried with a properly sized o ring. That didn’t work either. The radiator would not leak when the heat was on, with these fixes, but once the heat was off and the metal contracted, the leak began again. I ended up fixing it by putting the PTFE tape around the threads of the nut. I thought I’d post this, in case someone else had the same problem. I don’t know if this is considered a ‘fix’….but my pipes are not leaking anymore. Thanks for showing how the valve, etc., works, which helped a lot in my ‘repair’.

[@paulhealey2984]

That certainly is a fix. Nice one.

[@gkmj1760]

Had a plumber round today for a leaking radiator top valve. 'Im going to drain the system and change the valve - cost £350'. Me: Errr sounds a bit excessive - check it on youtube. Found this video and then a 3 min fix with the PTFE tape - £350 SAVED. I loved ringing him back and told him to cancel as I had fixed it. Thank you so much for this video and exposing cowboy plumbers xxx

[@paulhealey2984]

Quality 😅

[@wespep3450]

Absolutely fantastic advice, spent hours trying to fix a leak after installing a new radiator and you showing to use the plumbers tape around the olive solved the issue and taught me a new trick!

[@charleshunter7347]

Very helpful - my leak was the final one on your list and your first fix fixed it. Obvious in many ways but for those of us who aren't plumbers very good to be told how to do it.

[@chrismoor1898]

Thanks mate. I've followed you for a few years and do quite a bit of my own plumbing. Had a leak on a radiator which I've never had to tackle before, watched the video, followed your advice and job done! Leap of faith to turn off the valves and not empty the rad when you loosen it off, witchcraft!

[@joaoferreira5903]

I've just fixed my leak under the inlet radiator valve. Very clear and professional tip. Thank you for this.

[@stevierp]

You make stressful repairs a joy. We’re lucky to have you sir. HOLD TIGHT.

[@parsjukinv2376]

I myself am a plumber. The explanation is excellent and competent. this tape can work wonders. you always need to have a roll at home ..

[@johnniemason5407]

This is the best site for any one doing some plumbing work at home I have used this site so many times and find it to be just right for info and content Just fitted a designer radiator and the isolating valve started leaking when opened , literally a little jet of water shoot out the gland! “Don’t panic” looked at your site got some PTFE tape and five minutes later all Good😆👍 Big thanks to everyone involved with producing these great vids on You tube Cheers Johnnie

[@inadamitts3965]

Thank you so much . We followed your quick clear instructions and this saved our bedroom from a disastrous leak.

[@JD-vu1co]

Thank you for your knowledge and advice - it has helped me solve a problem and save money at the same time. You are a gentleman sir.

[@Inisfad]

Brilliant. Thank you. Fortunately, a plumber left some PTFE tape behind some time ago. My leak was the last one you showed, and it worked a treat.

[@Neshticle]

After having watched one of your other videos showing how to drop a radiator to be able to decorate behind it, I sprung a leak! But luckily, you had this brilliant video too which helped me fix in no time! Was proper panicking thinking I was about to flood the whole house! Thanks for all your great vids.

[@davidhusband9283]

Thankyou so much! Changing a rad i got a leak on small bore pipe, Its Saturday, cant afford an emergency call out so stopped the leak following your great video ❤

[@roadwarrior8560]

Thanks, that's some great tips for tomorrow for me, everyday is a school day!!

[@nosycatUK]

Brilliant content. You deserve every like on your channel

[@plumberparts]

Thank you so much 😀

[@tirthamazumdar9001]

your tips helped me out to stop leaking radiator and saved me 50 quid for call out. thank you

[@ashleygainard4978]

Brilliant video! As always from this guy, helped many of times in the past. Aways informative yet chucks in the odd laugh too, a brilliant chap! I wasn't so lucky this time, had a leak in the threadded rad insert. Didn't have enough play in the copper work to do a quick live fix, had to drain system to fix. Bit of a PITR but got the job done. Will reprssurise and inhibit the system tomorrow, should be dead easy to add inhibitor as I have a tall vertical towel rail in bath room, highest point on system...happy days! 😃

[@Braddurs]

I bloody love this channel. I've learnt a lot and it has helped me do some basic stuff around the house.

[@rockandmeatroll]

Thank you very much, i had to use a stillson wrench in the end to tighten up some old plumbing. Didn't dissemble but had a rag down and tried to work quickly. Dribble leak gone 🎉

[@danielshirley294]

Another great helpful video. I can't tell you how many times your videos have helped me out! But it's flippin loads! Keep up the good work.

[@Stujah]

We've an old what-I-think-they-call gravity fed system, and with the heating switched off water was still leaking steadily from the top of the lock valve with the valve switched fully off. So I didn't think this solution was going to work, thought I'd have to drain the system/call in a plumber, but in hope I removed the nut, wrapped 10" of twisted plumbers tape round the lock, rammed it down, spanner back on and blimey... the leak has gone. Thank you!

[@bluemini17]

THANK YOU @plumberparts. You just saved my ass! Came home to find a soaking wet carpet, top of the valve had failed. Packed with ptfe as suggested at the end of your video. Bone dry now. Will hopefully hold until the oil to gas conversion and trv upgrade next week by a local plumber. Thanks again!

[@daleprosser350]

A handy tip: before draining the radiator, open the air bleed so water runs (into a bowl) until the pressure dies down, it’ll make undoing the tails a lot less stressful as the water won’t now be pressurised

[@plumberparts]

Good call mate!

[@travelwithoutborders2037]

Thankyou very much for this video .I have fixed mine successfully. ❤❤❤

[@Ilovetosingem]

That first ptfe looks like it's going on anti-clockwise and all the others go clockwise. Is it because the rad input is like taking place of the nut and from the nut point of view it's going on clockwise as all the others? Brilliant as always.

[@johnwealthy6044]

Great video... I have 3 leaking joints at the tail into the radiator. How many times to I wrap the tape around the tail? I’m unsure whether I do it too much or too little!!

[@leeshepherd4498]

Thankyou. Helped us out of a water leak at 11pm on a saturday night.

[@plumberparts]

Yes lee!

[@anthonybee1981]

Watched two of your vids today - solved both of my radiator problems. Thanks very much!

[@plumberparts]

No worries dude!

[@plumberparts]

Sub here please➡️👉 kzbin.info ➡️👉FOLLOW US ON TWITTER! TRYING TO GET MORE FOLLOWERS! 🐤👉 twitter.com/plumberparts 👈🐤

[@nosycatUK]

8 years earlier and already a pro 😎

[@martinparkinson935]

Hi, Thank you for your video, you've taught me how to add PTFE tape correctly, but then when you did the packing gland at 7:26 I think you threaded the PTFE the wrong way round :) I only noticed when you started packing it down into the gland packing at 8:25 then added the gland cover. Thank you though, have been putting the job off on a few radiators in the house, keep loosing pressure on my boiler.

[@richlee5516]

Thanks for this video, it just saved me late night, water leaking everywhere, worked a treat!

[@paulross1234]

Thanks, worked a treat, just tightened the gland cover & Bob's your uncle & Fannie's your aunt.. 👍

[@douglaspaulsmith]

Thanks for this advice, going to fix my radiator leaks now. One question I have is, why do radiator leaks cause my hot water tank to lose pressure? After I burn my wood stove, I always lose hot water pressure in my sink taps...but I thought these hot water systems (radiator hot water and tap hot water) are separate systems, so how can my radiator leaks affect my tap water pressure? I have a wood burning stove with an electric pump connecting to radiators and hot water tank both... Thanks in advance for any help!

[@smil9358]

amazing tutorial on fixing the leaking radiator, and it works! Thank you!

[@Sugi1971]

Thanks. My radiator valve is leaking and I have exactly what you have that white tape to repair it. But I will have to do that tomorrow now it night now. Thank you . Deeply appreciate your video.

[@ICTTraderAdamOldaccount]

Great video. On the last gland repair am I correct in saying you wrapped the ptfe tape the wrong way as it looks like it would have undone as you tightened the nut up?

[@christinecatley8199]

A well made and informative video. Thanks.

[@MrTheomighty1]

Thanks so much I’m going to have a look at my gf’s radiators in the livingroom and kitchen tomorrow as both have started to leak over the last few days, today I’ve been with my mate removing a 1200mm by 600mm double vector as the main front door into his hallway kept hitting it so we’ve put on a 600mm x 700mm and it’s just as hot in his hallway we’ve had to use a plastic snap joint and we don’t know what we’re doing lo but so far no leaks we’ve completely drained the system as it was the last radiator on the system

[@joelburch5605]

Wish it was as easy as you made it look without water shooting out lol! Still, got the job done, well explained and only cost me 25p in ptfe tape. Spot on!

[@andrewdeakins9028]

Great video! Slightly leaky valve after rad had been removed by plasterers. Sorted now.

[@areyoutryingtosay]

Brilliant video, sorted my leak out!

[@systemsky7921]

Just recently fitted a new radiator, I replaced the old tail valves for some adjustable extendable tails, made the job alot easier!. Just wondering if you use them in the trade much?

[@AsboBuzz]

Hi mate, the nut you take off at 7.50 and the Olive you're referring to, i need to replace it, what are they called so i can buy one to fix one of my leaks. Ive just bought my first home and this is causing me no end of issues! Appreciate all content bud 👍

[@niclee1863]

Great video. I had the last issue and PTFE tape was bang on the right solution.

[@Holler86]

You saved me tonight.... tightening the nut to stop the leak. I will be able to sleep tonight, thanks a ton from Canada.

[@barryobrien8837]

Thanks for the video. Question however.. when you remove the valve completely (@ time 3:27) will the water in the rad not gush out as we have not drained the system? Thanks again!

[@KatherineTOwen]

Love your style. I searched for "green liquid from radiator" and this came up. I want to know how to clean the green out the threads to put another thermostat back on. Can you help? I will take a look through your channel.

[@philthomas4968]

Just fixed the glands on my radiator with ptfe as described, fantastic and a huge thanks!

[@banzaiman1]

did you have to drain the radiator or do you just undo the nut?

[@philthomas4968]

@@banzaiman1 just undid the nut!

[@stevengalway3764]

Really useful advice.. Super clear instructions and sorted the problem!

[@Dangoymer]

Hi James, Does it not matter which way you wrap the PTFE around the top of the lock shield above the rubber olive? you wrapped it anticlockwise in the vid, I understand there is no thread but would it not still unravel?.

[@anthony342]

clockwise

[@Game0verFool]

We had to number 3 and it's fixed now. Thanks very much

[@ROTARY4552]

cheers mate i have a bottom leak live side on a combi system upstairs radiator i turned off elec, water at mains and undone slowly exposing threads ptfe tape at the ready and bingo no more leaks when i restarted system no more loss of pressure and no more wet carpet Thanks a bunch

[@MLeonardReel]

Thanks for this. Really good video, very clear instructions and cheerful too!

[@Jelly-Mack]

I have 8mm microbore under the radiator valve and it leaks from underneath the nut which is about 15mm. Will undoing this nut and wrapping the ptfe tape still work in the same way. I am a bit wary incase i lose the seal altogether and end up with a big leak due to the time its been on and painted over. Thx in advance.

[@richardowen2159]

Hi,enjoyed the videos thanks. What do you advise for a rounded off bleed screw? Is in the outer panel facing inwards with about an inch clearance between the two. Regards Richi

[@BlockABoots]

So it you have to turn the nut clockwise to tighten it you should apply the PTFE tape anti-clockwise???

[@jedi1538]

Just perfect in every way . Many many thanks.

[@gopherfacts6915]

Wow. One tug on the lower nut did the trick. Thank you!

[@paulschipper9428]

Great advice, explained very clearly. Thank you!!

[@joeprosho]

Can you repack the gland of a trv valve that has a much thinner spring loaded pin? I just don't want to undo it and have absolutely rogered myself in the process All information i see on repacking gland valves on radiators shows the valves with much bigger pins

[@foresthilton]

Second video of yours to help me out. Well explained compared to other videos. Thanks for the knowledge.

[@plumberparts]

No worries! Glad to help you out! Means a lot to be helping anyone out who's in trouble. All the best, James.

[@SalikRafiq]

I've got a Pegler Terrier II with a leak on the pin. Seems to only leak cold. Can I pack the glands. As this is a pressurised system I don't want to have water shooting out.

[@roy64ful]

Thank you, you saved me a lot of money.

[@TomaszBogacz]

How durable is such a repair with PTFE wound around the spindle? I have stopped leaking from lockshield in my rad but I think I need to drain down the system and replace the lockshield as soon as it gets warmer.

[@prodigal_son8454]

The return pipe bottom nut do you do the exact same as you showed on the valve one? Great video 👍

[@BinarySecond]

It's a Sunday evening so it's time for an emergency PP video XD

[@veggiepowered]

I'am Your Newest Subscriber Great Videos

[@rustysugar75]

hello. of left alone, can the leaks be damaging or unsafe? I dont have the tools and I don't like my super and I don't want my father to travel all the way to my apt. for a little leak.. thank you!

[@nickpreston6280]

Thank you so much plumberparts - saved our bacon! great videos keep them going...

[@plumberparts]

No worries Nick! Glad to help mate! SUBSCRIBE! ➡️👉 kzbin.info 👈⬅️ IF YOU HAVEN'T ALREADY! 😎

[@DavidJones-yq2gs]

plumberparts Can you please do a video on how to fit a 15mm to 10mm internal reducer when replacing a new tvr valve please.

[@Official42]

Absolutely, very informative. Thank you mate

[@JasonDunlop247]

Thanks Mate, that video worked a treat for me. 👍

[@mattfuller3548]

Thankyou James I take a lot away from these videos

[@martindorrance8133]

Hi James. How about a leaking drain off on the radiator side of the tail? I can isolate the system like you say but can’t get the drain off to seal. I didn’t even disturb it when I drained the radiator. I can’t back out the screw fully to see if there is a faulty seal.

[@Charles010]

Clear, detailed and well narrated. Thank you. :)

[@PaulKelly1]

Useful looking video - I have what appears to be a leaking packing gland and it's tight-as already so trying to loosen it to get some PTFE into it is on the verge of rounding the nut (it's very shallow/thin) which I obviously want to avoid - do I just need to try to find a more accurately fitting spanner than an adjustable to be able to get better purchase at it? As it's 7pm at night I've decided not to push it any further tonight in case I do some damage & create myself an out-of-hours callout issue!

[@olliebrown89]

Gotta love this bloke

[@MiAnge1ito]

Thanks for this, I couldn't get the nut off on towel heater. I opened the longer part, jammed it with that tape using a needle and closed it. Only opened a touch both sides, and it hasn't leaked again today. It was driving me nuts during lockdown 🤪

[@hambleGs]

Saved me so much time, again! Many thanks

[@tonymoon4525]

Brilliant video as always.

[@lloydhopwood965]

Great video mate, thanks very much!! 👍🏼

[@rizvizuhair1483]

Hi, it's very useful tips for instant solution. Great information

[@MeiLegg]

Thank you so much! You are a natural teacher :)

[@LifeWorkRestPlay]

Hi, I always enjoy your tips & advice and feel empowered to tackle 'some' jobs but have the knowledge from you to know when to call in the experts. As a result I have more respect for your trade, it's a great PR exercise, well done👍

[@plumberparts]

+Keith Ward Cheers Keith!

[@vikkicd8544]

This was a brilliant video, very informative, thank you :)

[@oldmodelarmy4402]

This just saved my life!!

[@Shah-Jahan]

Best video on valve leak thanks

[@cmgill2gill135]

Your a diamon mate! don't know how much you saved me but I didn't even have to pick up the phone!

[@westleyberry3986]

Saved my bacon once again....many thanks 👍🏼

[@davidgraham754]

Massively helpful video fella, thank you. I've got an internal reducer on a connection joining the pipework to a lockshield valve and I have the tiniest drip coming from it. I've tried 4 times rewrapping with ptfe but can't stop it. Do I need to get the top part of the reducer that fits into the valve off to apply the ptfe to the olive underneath? Cheers again

[@martinwarner1178]

Always great advice, thank you. Peace brother.

[@13coachman]

clear and priceless advice and demo, thanks

[@nickh2458]

Job for the morning. Thanks.

[@boxingforselfdefence7620]

Thanks for the video. Great stuff. My valve is old, when I remove the head, as instructed, there's a plastic cog on the top of the spindle which fits into the head for turning. Unless I remove this I can't get the gland nut off but I'm not sure how to remove, whether it should screw off or be pulled off etc. Any thoughts? Thanks again.

[@paulburgess5726]

Top man had leaking top packing nut bit of PTF job done cheers mukka 👍

[@hotunhotunhiflodrytraptund5736]

Hi Jamie, great post, I wish I had a paint tray that went up above the skirting that had a bit of a seal on it!

[@philthomas4968]

Masking tape should do for a quick fix...

[@NapaGooner]

Top video, cheers pal helped a treat

[@DemonUKPES]

My leak is on the bottom nut. Rad upstairs. Scared to loosen the nut in case the water gushes out. Can I turn off the water completely from the mains? Will that stop the water coming out? The leak is a constant drip and soaks tissues within an hr or so. It musy of been leaking for years. As the flooring strips were soaked and rotten behind the rad. Sitting here 10.20 at night on bank Holiday Sunday wondering if I should attempt it. HELLPP! BTW THE rad is already off the wall As I was decorating. So that's not an issue. Just the inlet pipe.

[@theslawitman]

Whey hey! This may be an older video but it is just quality (as always 😁). Just got a pack of assorted rubber o rings and done this job.... Easy peasy... Lemon squeezy... 😁