Any Tricks for a Leaky Angle Valve Union?

Big Al

All is dry this morning. I think the problem is solved. The hardwood floor seems a little punky under the union though. I'll deal with that after the heating season. Oh, the joys of an old house . . .

Big Al

I just took the carpet out of our living room and noticed some stains under the union of a 1 1/2" radiator angle inlet valve. I did have to move the radiator to get the carpet up, but the union lined up properly again when I put it back, and I have it plenty tight. It drips a little under steam, and from the stains underneath, I suspect it's not a new leak.

Any secrets to getting a good seal on an old union . . . short of replacing the whole valve? Short term, what about trying some high temperature silicone RTV gasket sealer on the mating faces? Worth a try? I'll be removing the radiator again in the spring to refinish the floor . . . and the radiator.

If I do have to replace the valve, any secrets to removing the old spud from the radiator?

(Cash is a little tight right before Christmas so I'd rather not have to call in a pro just yet.)

Jim Bennett

RTV...

or pipe dope on the mating surfaces should do it.

jim

Big Al

Thanks, Jim!

OK, I loosened the nut, pulled open the union, put a little RTV on the faces, and re-tightened the nut. I set the thermostat down, so the boiler shouldn't come back on for an hour or more. I put a plate under the union to capture any evidence. Time to ZZZZ. I'll check the plate in the morning. If it's wet, I'll call my friendly heating guy and warm up the checkbook.