Boiler pressure drops & leaking radiator?

Question

The pressure in my boiler drops dramatically, water leaks out of my downstairs radiator all over the floor. What do I need to do to fix it? Do I need to bleed the radiator or empty the water out of it? Or is it just a case of tightening a few nuts and bolts?!

Answer 1

As said, the boiler loses pressure because of the leak. You haven't said where the leak is actually coming from on the radiator. However, as a temporary solution, visit your local DIY store and acquire some 'leak fix'. It will be in the plumbing section. Most of this stuff can be applied even to 'wet' leaks if you see what I mean. Read the instructions before you buy and ask the DIY store adviser if you are not clear. The stuff works well if you apply it as instructed. At least you will have time to think about/save up for a permanent repair. By the way the guy who said you need to solder is a twit, as you can get push fit fittings these days (even copper ones) that need no skill to use. But then he's going to be a rich plumber one day, isn't he.

Answer 2

When the leak is repaired , Pressure will b maintained.

Also check pipe  (prv) not dripping out side, but thats a differnt story

Answer 3

If the leak is coming from a nut on your radiator then tighten it asap. The reason your boiler is losing pressure is because water is leaking from the heating system. If the leak is coming from a joint/fitting then you'll probably have to call a professional unless you know how to solder pipework.

Hope this helps........

*EDIT*  In answer to Barry B calling me a twit, the reason i said joints should be soldered is because that is the best and tidiest way to do the job. Push-fit fittings (weather you're talking about plastic or copper) look terrible, they're too big and too bulky especially if the pipework is surface mounted. So MAYBE I'll be a rich plumber one day, but surely anyone who does their job PROPERLY and PROFESSIONALLY deserves to be??!! Unless you know exactly what you're talking about, why answer this type of question??!!  *EDIT*

Answer 4

If the leak is at a joint tighten it, or if its a crack or split pipe Isolate it. Empty the water out, fix it, then refill the system and bleed all the rads.

Answer 5

Turn off the rad valves on the leaking rad, then refill your boiler and see if the pressure remains constant. If its okay, problem solved, If it still loses water, then the pressur valve in the boiler wants replacing.