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https://www.askthetrades.co.uk/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl DIY Forum >> Plumbing Questions >> Leaking radiator... water smells burnt https://www.askthetrades.co.uk/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl?num=1513693316 Message started by Michaela15 on Dec 19^th, 2017, 2:21pm

Title: Leaking radiator... water smells burnt
Post by Michaela15 on Dec 19^th, 2017, 2:21pm

Hello

I just noticed the radiator in my daughters rooms leaking from the bolt where you bleed the radiator. Also the water coming out of it smells burnt. Yesterday the hot water from the kitchen tap smelt the same as the water leaking from the radiator. Is this toxic? Also is it something I could fix myself as I really don't want to get my landlord involved as he'll charge me as I reckon it could be a big job and cost quite a bit.

Thanks Michaela

Title: Re: Leaking radiator... water smells burnt
Post by thescruff on Dec 19^th, 2017, 7:58pm

Hi,

1st the landlord cannot charge you unless you have a maintenance contract.

It may be just the air vent that is leaking and more often than not a simple job of taken one out and screwing another in, can you post a pic showing the leaky bit.

The 2nd part of the question could be a lot more serious and potential mega bucks.

The smell is likely an inhibitor for the heating, however, if it has got into the hot water system then one would suspect the coil in the cylinder has gone, alternatively, it could be the boiler is pumping over into the storage tank, although this is unlikely unless you an extremely old Primatic cylinder.

Can you post more info and a few pics if possible.

The boiler name and model would be good start.

Title: Re: Leaking radiator... water smells burnt
Post by londonman on Dec 21^st, 2017, 1:48pm

Or the numpty plumber fitted the central heating vent pipe to go into the cold water tank.

Title: Re: Leaking radiator... water smells burnt
Post by CWatters on Jan 3^rd, 2018, 7:34pm

+1 to what the scruff said.

I was a landlord some years ago. If this is a modern Assured Shorthold Tenancy the landlord shouldn't normally charge you for repairs to a leaking radiator or for maintenance of any kind. If he has been charging you in the past I would take a copy of your agreement along to Citizens Advice or a similar organisation to get it checked.

It's different if this is a leasehold flat. In some cases you do have to get repairs done via the freeholder/landlord but in most you can find your own plumber.