Leaking radiator feed pipe

[Wolowl]

This week I noticed a small puddle on the bathroom floor overnight and realised the radiator feed pipe was leaking. It's above the floorboards so I've been able to put a bowl underneath it to catch the drips. It only leaks when the heating is off.

Our boiler engineer is currently in France until next week and I don't know how quickly he'll be able to see us when he gets back. Is it ok to wait that long to be fixed? He is also supposed to be coming to service the boiler and replace the pipe in the pressure gauge so he does need to come round regardless as he's ordered the part in for us.

The other issue is that due to the pressure gauge needing a part replaced its stuck in place, so I can't tell how much the drip is affecting the boiler pressure.
I'm just wondering how long this can all be left for before it causes a bigger problem. Thanks

Could you temporarily seal the leak in the radiator feed pipe with that PTFE white tape plumbers use.

PTFE tape

Thanks, I will look into that.,

I don't think that will work

it is used when assembling certain types of joint

I don't think you're planning to take the leaking joint apart

post a photo of the leak please, with the tip of a pen on the place that leaks.

What do you think started it leaking? Impact?

If your regular plumber is away, ask around trusted friends and neighbours for recommendations. Any plumber can repair a leaking radiator pipe. It does not need a boiler engineer.

You have an actual expert here but I just wanted to say that we recently had a leak from a radiator and it came from an entirely different place than I thought it was coming from! I was convinced it was a join in the pipe but it was actually the valve that needed tightening.

Just a thought.

Our engineer has been in touch so he's aware if the issues.

Pictures attached, there's a drip where the leak is- it around the bends in the pipe. Nowhere else is wet as far as I can feel or see, its just around the joint.

I have no idea what would have caused it, I just came into the bathroom last Thursday and there was a puddle on the floor. It was installed by the previous owners but we've been here for 6 years with no issues.

I actually think it's leaking from towards the left hand side of the pipe in the picture as it has a slight slant on it, so it's running down to where the drip is.

Our plumber did ask whether it looked like it was leaking from the bit of rust on the corner, but it doesn't seem to be. The whole bottom of the radiator is rusty and has been since we moved in. I did ask whether we'd need to replace the whole thing and he said he'd have a look when he comes round.

you said "It only leaks when the heating is off"

and the radiator is evidently rusty.

I think that the radiator is leaking through a rust pin-hole

and you only see the water when the heating is off, because, when running, the hot radiator evaporates away the water.

turn the radiator fully off at both ends

don't touch it, especially the rusty bits, as you may disturb the flakes of rust and make the hole bigger.