Leaking radiator? Here's what to do
A puddle under the radiator, or a drip from the valve. Most radiator leaks are simple to stop, and we can fix them day or night.
You notice a damp patch on the carpet under the radiator. Or a slow drip from the valve, with a little crust of rust around it. Radiators leak more often than people think, usually from the valve or a joint.
How to stop a radiator leak now
- Turn off your heating and let the radiator cool down.
- Close both valves at each end of the radiator. Turn them clockwise. On a thermostatic valve, turn it to zero or the snowflake symbol first.
- Put a tray or towel under the drip.
- If water is near sockets or electrics, switch them off at the fuse box.
Closing both valves usually stops the water. If it keeps leaking, or the leak is from the radiator itself, call us.
Why is my radiator leaking?
- A leaking radiator valve. The most common cause. The seal inside the valve wears out, and water seeps out around the nut.
- A loose joint where the valve meets the radiator or the pipe.
- A leaking bleed screw at the top.
- Corrosion. Older radiators can rust through from the inside, causing pinhole leaks.
Leaking hot water cylinder?
If water is pooling in your airing cupboard, turn off the boiler and immersion heater. Then close the cold water valve feeding the cylinder, or turn off the stopcock. Leaks from cylinder valves and joints can usually be repaired on the spot.
How we fix it
Most leaks are fixed in one visit by replacing the valve, seal or joint. If a radiator or cylinder has failed, we isolate it so the rest of your heating keeps working, and give you a fixed price to replace it.
We don't do gas work. If your boiler itself is faulty, you'll need a Gas Safe registered engineer.
How a callout works
- You call. A real person answers and talks you through making it safe.
- We dispatch the nearest free engineer and text you their name and arrival time. We aim for 60 minutes, and if traffic or a busy night means longer, we tell you straight away.
- The engineer diagnoses the fault and gives you a fixed price before starting.
- We fix it, tidy up and email your invoice and photos.
See our callout prices. If you decide not to go ahead after the quote, you pay only the callout.
Related help guides
Common questions
Why is my radiator leaking?
Usually it's a worn valve or a loose joint where the valve meets the radiator. A leaking bleed screw or corrosion inside an older radiator are the other common causes.
How do I stop a radiator leaking?
Turn off the heating, let it cool, and close both valves at each end of the radiator by turning them clockwise. Put a towel underneath. If it still leaks, call a plumber.
How much does it cost to fix a leaking radiator?
Most radiator leaks are fixed within our standard callout time, which includes the first hour. A new valve or radiator is priced separately, and we agree it with you first. See our prices.
Is a leaking radiator an emergency?
A small drip can wait until morning if you close the valves and put a tray underneath. A steady leak, or one soaking into the floor or ceiling below, should be fixed straight away.
Can you fix my boiler?
No, we don't do gas work. We fix leaks from radiators, valves, pipes and hot water cylinders.