leak from radiator

[Randy Winkman]

I've put a radiator back after decorating and there is a tiny leak from one of the valves at the joint where I removed it. It takes well over an hour for one drip's worth of water to emerge. Is this likely to seal itself (I'm in a hard water area)? Or is that just fantasy? If not - what's the next step? Just undo it and tighten again? Thanks.

[robinhood21]

It will probably seal itself given a tad of time. Or, slacken off and put a dab of boss-white or PTFE tape on it.

[Randy Winkman]

robinhood21 said:

It will probably seal itself given a tad of time. Or, slacken off and put a dab of boss-white or PTFE tape on it.

Many thanks. Presumably, if it doesn't seal and I have to do the above, I'll have to close both valves and drain the radiator so I can get full access to dry threads again?

[robinhood21]

To do it properly, yes. But, if you put plenty of old towels/rags down and, turn the valves off, you should be able to get away with it. Unscrew the offending nut and, keeping a slight pressure against the valve, wind the PTFE around the thread.

[Randy Winkman]

Thanks robinhood21. It was still leaking a bit this morning so I got some tape and it's sorted now.

[robinhood21]