If your central heating system experiences a small leak, a leak sealer can be your best mate. It can stop leaks instantly without needing a plumber or repairing expert. The sealer works only when its condition is not severe. However, if your heating system has a major leak, you might be better-off with a repairing expert.
This guide will show you how to put a leak sealer in your central heating system. We’ll explain each step in detail, so you can do it yourself, and will not need any help.
A Brief About Leak Sealer?
A leak sealer is a liquid that seals small leaks in your heating system. It spots leaks and forms an air-tight seal, which stops water from coming out. It’s a quick and easy fix for small leaks in your heating system.
How Does It Work?
If you have central heating, does a leak sealant work? Yes, it does! Leak sealers are solutions that, when put on tiny holes in central heating systems, make a polymer seal that stops any small leaks in your water system.
To use the leak sealer, pour it right into the central heating tank or through the top of the radiator. Fresh water and the leak patch will then go through your system, stopping any more water loss or damage.
When Should You Use a Leak Sealant?
You might need to use a leak sealant if you see that your radiator or pipes are leaking water. Moreover, it is helpful if your boiler has frequent failures and loses pressure. However, for small leaks, a leak sealer works well. Otherwise, big leaks require professional assistance.
DIY Putting Leak Sealer in Central Heating System
Tools and Materials You Will Need
- Leak sealer (liquid or gel form)
- Radiator bleed key
- Funnel (if needed)
- Protective gloves and cloth
- Bucket or bowl
- Eye-protection glasses
Procedure to Apply Leak Sealer
Step 1: Turn Off Your Heating System
First, turn off your heating system, and allow it to cool down for a few hours. This is important to avoid possible burns or damage.
Step 2: Locate the Leak
Find where the leak is coming from. In order to do so, Check the radiators, pipes, and joints. Make sure it’s a small leak that a sealer can fix. Otherwise, all the efforts can be in vain.
Step 3: Choose the Right Leak Sealer
There are different types of leak sealers. Some are for specific systems, like sealed or open-vented systems. Read the label to make sure you have the right one for your system.
Step 4: Prepare the Leak Sealant
Shake the bottle well before opening the cap. This ensures the sealer is mixed properly. Some sealers come with a nozzle for easy application.
Step 5: Add the Sealer to the System
Two methods commonly used to apply the sealer:
Through the Radiator
- Locate a radiator that is close to the boiler.
- Use the radiator bleed key to open the bleed valve at the top.
- Have a bucket or bowl ready to catch any water.
- Insert the sealer into the radiator. Use a funnel if needed.
- Once added, close the valve tightly.
Through the Filling Loop (for sealed systems)
- Attach the filling loop to the heating system.
- Open the valve slowly and pour the sealer into the loop.
- Close the valve once the sealer is in.
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Step 6: Refill the System with Water
After adding the sealer, you may need to refill the system with water. Check the pressure gauge on your boiler. If it’s low, add more water until it’s at the correct level. Usually, the pressure should be between 1 and 1.5 bars.
Step 7: Turn the Heating System Back On
Turn your heating system back on. Let it run for a while to circulate the sealer. The sealer will move through the system and find the leak. It will form a seal to stop the water from leaking.
Step 8: Check for Leaks
After running the system for a few hours, check for leaks again. If the leak sealer worked, the leak should stop. If not, you may need to try a second application or contact a professional.
Step 9: Monitor the System
Keep an eye on the system for the next few days. Make sure the pressure stays stable. If the pressure drops, you might have a bigger leak that needs professional help.
How Long Does Leak Sealer Take?
A sealer usually works within 24 hours. However, some sealers can take up to a few days to fully seal the leak. Be patient and monitor your system closely.
Can a Sealer Damage Your Heating System?
Leak sealer is safe for most central heating systems. However, it’s important not to overuse it. Using too much sealer can clog your system. Always follow the instructions on the bottle.
Could You Use Sealant to Stop Radiator Leaks?
A key part of the science behind leak sealer is that it works when it comes into contact with air. In an ideal world, there would be no air in your central heating system’s vents or lines. However, this is not the case.
Anyone who has ever had to bleed a radiator will tell you that a central heating system has and always will have an air element. This air and the air in the boiler’s air valves set off the sealing. This could cause leaks and other issues that will likely cost a lot more to fix in the long run.
The most common issue is that the rust inhibitor is less effective when there is a hole in the system due to the leak stopper. This, as the name suggests, leads to the growth of rust. The next step is oxidation, which makes a gas and changes the composition of the glue chemically.
Small amounts of material build up in the radiators because of this process, partially stopping them and leading to slowness and other problems.
What If the Leak Doesn’t Stop?
If the leak doesn’t stop, you may have a bigger problem. A large leak or a damaged pipe might need more than a sealer. In this case, it’s best to call a plumber. They can inspect the system and fix the leak properly.
The Worst Thing that Can Happen with Leak Sealer
Hopefully, the above reasons have helped you see and understand why using leak sealant to fix leaks in your central heating system is not a good idea. Let’s look at another possible problem with these kinds of things if you’re still tempted. If there is too much leak stopper for the leak, what will happen?
What the owner now has to deal with is a central heating system that keeps leaking and is getting worse because sealant is building up. It looks like the only way to fix this is to flush the whole system, which, strangely, costs at least as much as fixing the leak. The cost of the whole process goes up by two times because the leak still needs to be fixed.
Note: Leak sealers don’t always work and can only fix small leaks. If your system is under pressure, you should call a plumber, but not if you’re having a lot of problems. Take off the filter’s lid, separate it, use the drain off valve below it to let some pressure out, and then add leak sealer. Put the lid back on and open the separation valves. The pressure might stay in place after a few days. Again, this is not safe for people who are not plumbers. Have fun, and I hope that helped.
When to Call a Professional
If you’re unsure about using a leak sealer, it’s okay to call a professional. A plumber can assess the situation and recommend the best solution. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
Preventing Leaks in the Future
To avoid leaks in the future, maintain your heating system regularly. Have it serviced once a year by a professional. Check the pressure regularly and keep an eye on your radiators and pipes. A well-maintained system is less likely to develop leaks.
The Bottom Line
Putting a sealer on small leaks in your central heating system is an easy way to fix them. You can DIY it without a plumber if you follow the above mentioned steps. Pay close attention to the directions and always use the right sealer for your system. After using the sealer, keep a close eye on your system and don’t be afraid to get in touch with a professional if you need to. With regular repair, your heating system will keep working well and not leak.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you want to use sealer on a boiler, you should do it quickly because it only lasts for a short time.
A big drop in system pressure, which you can see on your boiler data screen, is often a sign that there is a leak in your central heating system. Another way to find leaks is to look for error messages showing on the screen of your boiler.
It can usually handle temps up to 194°F (90°C), but this depends on the sealant that is used.
If your boiler is the usual size, use about 1 litre of leak stopper. We suggest increasing the size to two litres for bigger devices.