I re-fitted a radiator at the weekend after doing some tiling and one of the joints is now leaking.
I've tried several times to stop this by using PTFE tape but this doesn't do the trick.
Is there anything else I can use ?
TIA
Stan
Where is it leaking from?
How many winds of the ptfe are you giving the joint
Its leaking at either the joint between the rad and shotoff valve of where the valve is connected to the inlet pipe, can't tell exactly which one as the the leak is too great.
I'm using about 1-1 1/2 winds on the pipe.
I thought there was some sort of paste you could use instead of tape, but maybe I'm just wrong about this ?
Stan
You want to use a lot more than one and a half winds!
Try about 10 - PTFE Tape is very very thin!
Sparks...
That one should be a metal-on-metal joint which doesn't need sealant, a bit like a ball and socket joint with a hole through it. Has either of the mating surfaces had a "ding"?
Again, that should have an "olive" in it and need no extra sealing. If you've over-tightened it, the olive might be damaged and need replacement (together with a short section of pipe).
You could try using more tape, 1 1/2 turns is nothing, build up a good thickness and try again.
Well, there is, but I don't think it'll help with this!
Unless it's the gas stuff (yellow rather than white box)...
The joint between the radiator an tail needs a good layer along the full length of the threads wound in the right direction so that the action of screwing it into the rad doesn't unwind the tape. It also needs to be tight you need the square drive tool unless you want to risk mangling the end in pliers mole grips.
The joint from tail to valve is metal on metal and should not require any tape or gloop. Check for any damage and replace as required.
I agree you need at least ten winds ,and in the right direction anti clockwise so that it does not unwind doing it up
In article , stan writes
If it's the threads you are wanting to seal then there are gel type sealants that are available in a tube, easy to use and pretty much foolproof. Search or ask a plumbers' merchant for thread sealant:
these things are pretty nifty
Sounds like a magic incantation to me:
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