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Plumbing

radiator air vent bleed valve - how to replace

Anonymous user 09/03/2024 - 3.19 PM

hey guys, hope everyone's well a radiator in my small flat has a slow drip coming from the air vent bleed valve, i have tried tightening it with the radiator key but it doesn't seem to work and it just keeps slowly dripping (onto a lino floor thankfully). - I have purchased a replacement 1/2" radiator air vent bleed valve and am just waiting for some PTFE Tape to be delivered. - I intend to switch the radiator off at both ends and open the valve and drain off the water until it is below the level of the valve - once water has stopped coming out i intend to remove the valve using a spanner and screw in the new one with added PTFE tape to make it extra water tight - once it's securely in, open the new bleed valve to bring the water back-up to level while keeping an eye on the pressure in our combi boiler. Does that sound about right? and from experience, how easy is it to get the old valves out - we've just moved in and mine looks like it has layers of paint over it, might a bit of paint thinner be useful initially to allow the spanner to grip? Many thanks +++++ many thanks for the advice guys, job went well and no leaks as yet!

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4 Answers

Algas Services ltd

Rating: 5 out of 5
Colchester
That sounds right. Be careful not to over tighten the new valve as you could split the O-ring. Make sure the spanner is a good fit so you don't round off the nut. Should come out pretty easily. Good luck
Answered22 February 2021
4

Gosforth Maintenance

Rating: 5 out of 5
Canonbie
There is no need for PTFE tape as the fitting has an O ring to make the seal, as previously mentioned dont over tighten.
Answered21 March 2021
1

Haighs rapid plumbing

Rating: 5 out of 5
Brighouse
Sounds good but it might be easier to drain the radiator from the valves by slightly opening them, to release the pressure rather than it spurting out at you at the bleed valve
Answered24 February 2021
0

Anonymous user

If you have a gravity system go and get some bungs, bung the feed and expansion (vent) on the F + E tank (small one). Throw your PTFE tank in the bin, change one at a time tighten only hand tight maybe quarter of a turn more. Get rid of the bungs and totally eliminate the need to drain the system 👍🏼
Answered26 February 2021
0