Rust at bottom of radiator - repairable?

[anxious_ant]

Noticed visible rust on the bottom of the radiators, with the worse culprits in humid rooms (en-suite/bathroom).
No leaks so far. Is this something repairable?

From memory we had a "power flush" few years back, and the guy put in a treament (Sentinel X100). Would this prevent corrosion?

Picture below is the one worst affected.
Many thanks for any advice, greatly appreciated!

[anxious_ant]

Thanks both for the prompt reply!
I have wired brush and will try to get rid of as much rust as possible.
I have noticed any bubbling at the moment but we shall see.

Jenolite is the product I am looking at, as it’s marketed as direct to rust, high temp paint.

[anxious_ant]

I did think of replacing, however I would have to factor costs of getting plumber in to get this done. I won't attempt this myself as I know my limits

Would the rust treatment stop further rusting or is that just purely cosmetic?

[anxious_ant]

catso said:

Agreed, my radiators are 30+ years old and in good shape, system having always been treated with corrosion inhibitor, but the bathroom rads tend to go like that, presumably due to the humid environment.

Could be cleaned up and painted but, in reality I'll probably just wait until it leaks and then change it.

Hmm, if the radiator starts to leak would turning TRV off isolate the radiator?
Strange that most of the corrosion is at the bototm of the radiator.

[anxious_ant]

hyphen said:

anxious_ant said:

...Strange that most of the corrosion is at the bototm of the radiator.

Its a bathroom, so I imagine window hasn't been opened enough/extractor not running long enough. So when radiator is cold, steam water condenses on to the cold metal radiator, and collects at bottom and hangs around? Causing the rust at the bottom.

Understood, I do have daugthers who enjoy long hot shower/baths
We usually open the doors to help ventilation but of course not when someone is in the bathroom.
Must say I never really noticed steam on the bottom of the radiator.

[anxious_ant]

Lincsls1 said:

anxious_ant said:

Hmm, if the radiator starts to leak would turning TRV off isolate the radiator?
Strange that most of the corrosion is at the bototm of the radiator.

No, you would need to turn off the other side lockshield valve as well as the TRV to isolate the radiator.
It is not unusual at all, they all rust at the bottom. The moisture in the air turns back to water and will sit at the bottom, also this is where the factory paint job will be weakest along the flange.
Stop over thinking it. Paint it or replace it.

Gotcha, thanks!
For now I would go with the paint it option due to budget constraints. Hopefully that would give it more time until a replacement is warranted.

Will order some Jenolite for the job.

[anxious_ant]

bennno said:

Do you put wet towels on the radiators? Just kurust and a bit of white enamel paint.

Not on this one. This is a smaller one in the en-suite. It is really close to the loo though :P

Thanks all for the feedback. To be honest, if it's just the one radiator I wouldn't hesitate to just get it changed.
There a a few radiators showing signs of surface rust so I would first explore option of trying to repair it, if it is repairable.

Quick question though, if the radiator starts to leak when removing/treating rust is it just a case of putting a bucket underneat the radiator for the leak and tn the TRV off?
Can I still use the heating whilst I wait for the plumber to come out?

[anxious_ant]

Wombat3 said:

It's your house, do what you think is right . If you are going to touch it then try closing the valves first. If they will move and they will close properly AND they don't then leak then crack on.

You still have no real way of knowing how much metal is left there though. Radiators are much cheaper to replace than ceilings. If you have others round the house looking similar (outside the bathroom) then somethings up..

As to the sarcastic crap above...I've seen people say similar things about running cars on 15 year old tyres. ... and seen them do it & get away with it.

I wouldn't do it, but each to their own. Good luck.

Noted. I will have a closer look when I have some time to clean up the rust.
So far radiators affected are in wet areas (bathrooms, toilets and en-suites), so suspect it's moisture related.
There are a few radiators to look at, both at a rented property and a property I am renovating.
Budget is right so need to factor in costs