Contain the leak
Put a bowl and towels under the drip. If the leak is from a valve, turning both valves off can isolate the radiator. For larger leaks, turn off the heating and, on a sealed system, watch the boiler pressure – it will fall as water escapes.
Find the source
Leaks usually come from one of these places:
- The valve spindle, under the valve head
- The valve tail, where the valve joins the radiator
- The joint between the valve and the pipe
- The radiator itself, through pinholes caused by corrosion
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The likely fix
Spindle and joint leaks can often be fixed by tightening or replacing seals or the valve. A radiator leaking through its body is usually corroded from the inside and needs replacing – and it's worth checking the system water, as corrosion may be affecting other radiators.
