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Discuss Leaking radiator tail in the Plumbing Jobs | The Job-board area at PlumbersForums.net

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Hi. I've decided to start another thread to resolve this specific issue.

I have just replaced three leaking Drayton Drain Off Valves.

After re-filling the system, but not running it, I discovered that one of the tails is weeping.
It was the hardest of all the repairs made, because there was very little lateral movement in the copper pipe.
Whilst screwing in the tail, it got quite tight after around five. revolutions. I turned it further, until it felt nearly tight enough, but the drain off section of the valve was not vertical. I turned it a little more, but it got very tight and now the drain off section was even further off vertical. I probably could have turned it further, but was worried about damaging something.
So, I unscrewed the valve, counting the revolutions from the vertical position and then removed the PTFE tape wrapped around the tail and then wrapped the tail once again in PTFE, wrapping it around eight times. I then screwed it back in the same number of times. So, not mega tight.

1. Do you have to screw the tail in until the entire threaded section of the tail is screwed into the rad?

2. Should I unscrew the compression nut fastening the drain valve to the lockshield valve and then turn the tail futher into the rad, even if this means getting very very tight?

3. Or should I disassemble and add even more PTFE tape to the tail, perhaps with jointing compound as well?

4. Can PTFE and Jointing compound be used together?

Thanks for taking the time to look at my post

And thanks to all those who have helped in my previous posts.

D

IMG_20190616_230517343.jpg
 
More ptfe tape needed

Around 15 turns
 
Or try using the gas ptfe tape (single wrap- but wrap it around a few times) it’s thicker and a lot better to use. (It’s a lesson I learnt many years ago. Hate the water ptfe tape.)
 
I was always taught to
1. Start with ptfe flat on thread 3/4 turns
2. Rope the ptfe two turns
3. Finish off flat again 3/4 turns
Make sure you apply ptfe against the thread so it tightens as you go. Dont leave acres of ptfe on the radiator stabbing looks untidy and picks up dirt.
centralheatking
 
Hi
Problematic valve resolved!

I removed the valve. Cleaned up the rad thread. Smeared it with a little jointing compound. Wrapped the tail in approximately 4.67miles of PTFE tape and reset. Lovely and dry now.
Thank you all for your advice
It is much appreciated
D
 

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