Leaking radiator extensions

[chinniepea]

Hi, Can anyone help, I have fitted a new radiator and had to use 2 x 20mm extensions to fit the original pipework. I tried using PTFE tape and both extensions leaked so I bought some Jet White pipe jointing compound from the plumb centre and one extension still leaked. Do I need to let the jointing compound set before filling the radiator with water or is their something else I should be using to ensure they dont leak anymore? Thanks Chinniepea

 

[HoodedClaw]

Are they the one with a O ring in it - adjustable? Or with with an olive?

 

[chinniepea]

They are not adjustable and they have a black o-ring on the thread end (sorry a real plumbing newbie), not sure what an olive is?

 

[royston]

The telescopic ones are rubbish if they are the ones you are using. If not then i ptfe round the o ring and thread that goes into radiator, then ptfe the valve tail that screws into the radiator, never had and problems. Your not screwing it in to tight are you and damaging the o ring ?

 

[chinniepea]

No definitely not telescopic. I am screwing it as tight as I can, but the leak seems to be coming from the extension from the end that screws into the valve tail. Inside the end of the extension is beveled does this need an olive in it as it hasn't got one.

 

[Plumbstar Tom]

Have you a picture of this and can point out where it leaks from?

 

[HoodedClaw]

Inside the end of the extension is beveled does this need an olive in it as it hasn't got one.

That sounds odd.. Agree, a photo will help or link to the product.

 

[chinniepea]

These are pictures of a 30mm extension (sorry about the lack of quality) its the bit in the bottom of the inside of the last two pics that seems to have a bevel. and is where it seems to leak from.

 

[royston]

As above i always use these as you can get them in 3 sizes, never any problems when i fit them as described above. Maybe you have a faulty one, i have had 2 or 3 with dodgy threads on before. You dont need an olive to install just PTFE and a bit of hawk white if you have some.

 

[mfgs]

10 wraps of PTFE tape on the rad tail thread and a bit of jet white on top and you should be fine.

 

[emerald]

or alternativly i would use Loctite 55, which is like ptfe but better IMO

 

[royston]

Keep reading about this locktite 55 stuff. Why is it better than PTFE ?

 

[HoodedClaw]

I use both depending on the job, ptfe builds up well with 15 wraps on rad tails. but on tap threads where slight adjustment is needed locktite55 everytime now. the locktite55 can be undone a 1/4 turn without leaking. Just make sure you use some pliers to roughen the thread or it will just slip about.

 

[chinniepea]

Just want to thank everyone for their advice. I finally have a new radiator that doesn't leak. Now onto the next two, but this time with confidence, oh and the right amount of PTFE tape!!!!!!