My radiators are leaking

What to do if you spot water around your radiators

If you’ve found a puddle beneath your radiator or noticed a damp patch on the floor, you could be dealing with a leak. While radiators are usually low-maintenance, wear and tear over time can lead to problems – and leaks are one of the most common.

A leaking radiator can damage carpets and flooring and even pose a burn risk if hot water escapes. That’s why it’s important to act quickly.

Step 1: Safely check the source

Before checking, turn off your central heating and allow the radiator to cool fully. This helps avoid burns from hot water or steam.

Once it's safe:

1. Dry the radiator and pipes with a cloth.
2. Use kitchen paper to blot around:
   • the radiator body
   • bleed valves
   • valve connections
   • pipe couplings
3. A wet patch will help you find the exact point of the leak.

Leaks often come from loosened valves, rust spots, or corrosion inside the radiator.

Step 2: Know when to take action

A small leak might seem manageable, but it can quickly cause water damage, especially if left unchecked. Rusty water from internal corrosion can also stain carpets or walls.

If the leak is coming from the radiator body itself, this is often due to internal rust or sludge build-up – and typically means the radiator will need replacing.

Step 3: What we can help with

While Bord Gáis Energy doesn't offer radiator repairs or replacements, we can help you understand if the issue is part of a wider central heating system problem, such as a pressure imbalance or build-up of sludge.

If you’re experiencing multiple radiator issues – such as cold spots, gurgling noises, or frequent airlocks – you may benefit from a Power Flush of your heating system.

Learn about power flushing

Related issue: Radiators not heating up?

If your radiator isn’t leaking but still won’t warm up, trapped air or internal blockages could be the issue.

👉 Read our guide to radiators that aren't heating up

Need professional support?

If your boiler or heating system isn’t working properly, our home services team can help. Our certified Service Engineers are available to inspect your boiler or assess whether a system-level fix – like Power Flushing – could restore heating performance.

Call us on 01 611 01 45 to speak with our home services team.