Leaking Overflow Pipe

[Booldawg]

I have water dripping out of an overflow pipe. Its from the central heating header tank. Been up in the loft and noticed the ball valve is dripping.

I couldnt make sense of the pipework - is the header tank usually fed from the cold water tank or straight from the mains?

When I replace the valve I'll just shut off the main stop-cock as theres so many stop-cocks in the airing cupboard I'm not sure what is what! I guess if the header tank is fed from the main tank I'll have to drain off all the water by turning on the cold tap in the bath?

Also do you need to get a roll of PTFE tape when replacing the ball valve? I've not done it before.

[gingejbee]

Usually fed from the mains, at least mine is!
Are you sure that you can't just replace the small seal at the end of the piston (not sure about proper name!). Take out split-pin, take off ball arm and slide piston out to inspect the small sealing disc. These wear out, can be replaced for about 10p.

[Booldawg]

Thanks ginge - I'll have a look. My plumbing skills arent quite down to component level! If it looks easy enough to do I'll try it.

not even sure what the price of the whole valve will be?

[gingejbee]

Well, if I can do it, anyone can! The thing is...although the whole thing won't cost that much...it'll be a much easier job to just replace the little seal.
(Still need to turn water off, of course!).
Let's know how it goes.

[Brum Lady]

We had this problem a few weeks ago. My husband found the existing ball valve thing was all gunked up with limescale, so went out and bought a new one from Homebase since it was evening time. He was brassed off when he realised he had paid about £18, and the same item from Toolstation was about £6! I don't recall him saying anything about PTFE tape.