I have a leaking radiator. It is dangerous to keep the boiler on?

[invisiblecats]

Apologies for what is probably a stupid question.

I've realised that a radiator has been leaking on and off for a while, but it's started leaking loads of water (it was a little trickle before).

Is it dangerous to leave the boiler on? It's been leaking while on for ages, I now realise. (But only a trickle, not as much as now).

I know I need to call a plumber, but I can't do anything till tomorrow and it's bloody feeezing here tonight! I'm hoping there's still some water in the system and if I keep it on we'll get some heat at least. But is it dangerous to keep it on?

Actually, I should define loads!

I don't mean loads by leaking pipe standards! It's not gushing water or anything!

It's just leaking loads compared to before. A steady trickle, instead of occasional drips.

Once the pressure in the heating system drops too low the boiler won’t fire. You could try topping up the system to see if that gives you enough to keep the heating running overnight but It might not.

Sorry I've explained this badly! But hopefully someone knows if leaving the boiler on is a terrible idea or not?

It's a combi boiler.

@HalloweenScrooge

Once the pressure in the heating system drops too low the boiler won’t fire. You could try topping up the system to see if that gives you enough to keep the heating running overnight but It might not.

Thanks :)

So, not dangerous just ineffective?

I didn't get mine fixed for a year, partly due to covid. I don't see how it could be dangerous.

@CeeceeBloomingdale

I didn't get mine fixed for a year, partly due to covid. I don't see how it could be dangerous.

I thought maybe it'd overheat without the water in it, like a dry kettle?

This is probably very stupid of me!

I had no idea whether everyone would say "of course you need to turn it off right now" or "don't worry about it!"

I googled and found links saying I should turn it off, but I couldn't work out if that was just a sensible thing to do or safety advice!

@CeeceeBloomingdale

I didn't get mine fixed for a year, partly due to covid. I don't see how it could be dangerous.

This is reassuring!

Personally I would leave it on.

The boiler will stop working when it loses pressure but you can usually top it up. I'd put a bucket under the leaky one (or turn it off) then probably switch off before I went to bed just in case the bucket overflowed in the night.

When you have the radiator repaired, get them to add a thermostatic valve to it if it doesn't have one already.

Can you turn off that one radiator? That might stop the leak, depending where it is.

If it's not clear, I meant turn the radiator off if you can.

Probably not...I had this problem for many years as well. The only thing that happens is the pressure drops too far and the boiler can't start anymore. I found this was only an issue if the entire system had not been used for at least 2-3 weeks in winter (eg a holiday or during the first lockdown when I stayed somewhere else).

You need to have an easy way to fill water into the boiler though, otherwise you'll constantly be paying plumbers to fix it. Apparently my boiler has a "tap" which lets you fill it yourself but for some reason it wasn't enabled during installation. A different plumber installed the correct handle and now I can simply turn the switch to fill water into the boiler myself. There should be a dial which shows the boiler pressure and I just refill enough water to get it into the green zone.

You can isolate the leaking radiator to stop the overall system pressure falling, but you'll need to close the valves on BOTH sides of that radiator. One is likely to be a thermostatic valve where you just turn the top by hand. The other is probably a "lockshield" valve where you have to turn it with a spanner or adjustable wrench, most likely after removing a plastic cover from the top.

Yes I agree with @CasperGutman - sorry I read this as the leak being in the pipework by the radiator. If the rad itself is leaking isolate it using the valves on both sides. The radiators can be isolated and removed individually e.g. when decorating and still allow the system to run.