Major leak between valve and rad--what to do?

sallycj

I have a one-pipe system and a leak in one of my rads. The horizontal pipe between the valve stem and the rad has what looks like a large nut or donut on it, an inch or so from the upright stem. Water is leaking out from under this nut. I can't tighten the nut; it won't budge. I take it I need a plumber.



(It's a serious leak; it has ruined the paint on a square foot of wall downstairs and the wood in the floor around the valve is rotting. This rad had a cover over it and it looks like the leak began a few days ago without me noticing. I did notice, however, that my boiler was needing refilling too often.)



Until I can get a plumber here how can I stop this leak? I tried turning the valve but it's stuck, even though it's pretty new. It's a Groton vapor equalizing valve #5. If I can turn it halfway around, it will stop the leak, right?



Or should I just turn off the valve? I've read We Got Steam Heat and I seem to remember that turning off the valve is never a good idea.

jim s_2

Leak

I think you`re talking about the union?



If so than you can completely shut the radiator hand valve until you can get it looked at.



The #5 is an air vent.

sallycj

thanks

Yes, I meant to say vent re: the #5. I'll turn off the hand valve until I can get a plumber. Thanks.

jpf321

keep an eye...

keep an eye on it even after shutting inlet valve .. if it doesn't properly seat, steam will enter the rad and water will rebuild at the union .. you may also get some water hammer. if possible, also flip the G#5 upside down to discourage steam entry.

sallycj

flip the G5

I'd like to flip the vent but I can't move it. I've tried a nonslip rubber jar opener to help me get a grip but no success. Should I try tapping it with a hammer to loosen it? I don't want to break it.

nicholas bonham-carter

disabling a vent

can you put electrical tape over the vent exit hole?--nbc

sallycj

disable the vent?

That's an idea. Where IS the exit hole on this type of vent? I can't see it.