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I have a strange valve on the downstairs radiators...
(The middle bit here - to the right of the lockshield valve)
What is it and what should I do if it's leaking (slowly, from the top). The radiator in question is cold and I turned the valve to see if it might "release" any blockage. Now it won't stop dripping, no matter how tight I try to close it.
looks like an inline drain cock.
It's a pillar type so there will be some kind of washer seal at the bottom to shut off the drain, but also the threads will probably need some PTFE to stop water coming out the top.
I'd isolate the radiator at the lock shield and TRV, un-screw the square head pillar (there may be some kind of captive nut over the top of the square key head that has a rubber gland underneath. Cant tell unless you take a photo from the top.) and have a look at it having caught all the rad water in a tray.
Just to add to what Stoner said, we had the same issue, changed the rubber ‘O’ ring (don’t overtighten and squash it to death), added a little silicone grease for good measure and all fine now.
no idea what size ‘O’ ring unfortunately.
Aerial view
So - close the lockshield (fully clockwise), close the TRV, drain via the inline valve thing.
Refit the valve using PTFE tape (possibly a new o-ring). Open up the valves, (adding water to the CH), bleed the radiator and see how it goes?
Correct
B and Q do a pack of nixed rubber o rings, probs worth getting beforehand.
Aye - if only there was a B&Q within 30 minutes drive 😉
Make sure your TRV will completely shut off the water, mine (Drayton) came with spare caps because the thermostatic heads on mine don't.
The magic tape seems to have done the trick. Thanks chaps.
Good stuff Onion