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Plumbing

Radiator replacement - best way to tighten olive joints?

Anonymous user 28/02/2024 - 2.45 PM

Currently replacing some radiators due to springing small leaks. 8mm CH system, so 15mm (half-inch) valves with adaptors and olives. I've heard that you should hand-tighten the joint over the olive, and then half-turn more with a spanner - correct? Also, seems to be some dispute about whether to use PTFE tape on olive joints - or maybe jointing paste instead? What's the views folks? Update 4th Jan 2012 Many thanks to all assistance, reinforces what I thought! Cheers, guys! Update 8th Jan 2012 Well, took it all apart and reassembled using 10-12 turns of PTFE where applkicable, and jointing compound on compression joints - and it all works without a single leak! Thanks to all for their invaluable assistance, I now know how to ensure leak-free raqdiator replacements for the future!

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6 Answers

OSBORN PLUMBING

Rating: 4.9 out of 5
Southend On Sea
you should only use PTFE tape where the thread makes the seal
Answered3 January 2012
6

Anonymous user

The tightening of the joint, as you have be suggested is correct. In any event, do not over tighten ! ! I have been in the trade over 30 years and my ppinion of the use of P.T.F.E. over olive joints is : It's a bit / D I Y ! ! Use Boss white / hawk white paste, for potabale water joint, or something similar !!! Regards, Adrian Hagger
Answered3 January 2012
5

James Plumbing And Heating Services Ltd.

Rating: 5 out of 5
South Ockendon
Hi Alan, I would use hawk white joint compound on the actual olives and inside the radiator valve, check out you tube ( normally diy advice on there ) With the screwed tails going into the rad use the PTFE. Many Thanks. James Eastman James Gas Services James
Answered3 January 2012
3

Rigsby Handyman

Rating: 5 out of 5
Southend On Sea
Hi,use ptfe tape on threads of fittings then tighten up finger tight, then tighten with shift spanner holding the other side with spanner or water pumps give them a good tighten, all should be good, best wishes colin.
Answered3 January 2012
1

IAN PRICE PLUMBING&HEATING

Rating: 4.9 out of 5
Sheffield
Hi Yes hand tight and half turn no need for ptfe and definitly no paste,if when you fill the system you have aslight weep on the nut just nip it a touch more.
Answered3 January 2012
1