How to stop the banging

Bill_83

Thanks for the quick response, I believe my problem may be the pitch issue and I'm gonna check that out.

I have a few more questions, I've had different people in to look at this system and no one has been able to help me get this to work at or near 100%.

The other issue I have is in my basement at the end of the large pipe that runs along my ceiling there is a overflow/release valve. This leaks or better yet I should say this overflows to the point where water is running down the wall onto the floor. Now the pressure is set at 1.5 max and the water level in the glass tube never goes above half. Is this normal, it didn't do this years ago. I've just had the automatic feeder replaced so I know the water level in the heater is consistant.

Lastly the return pipe to the heater, when should this be drained. I've been doing it regularly and there has been gallons of water in that pipe daily, is this normal. I thought water in this pipe might have been the issue with the banging but that doesn't seem to be it. The water in this pipe is usually black, it may start off clear but runs black as it empties.

Bill_83

banging pipes

I have a steam boiler system in my house. I've always been told that there would be some type of banging in the pipes when the system comes on due to the cold pipes and hot steam. This banging is pretty severe right now, shaking the house. Is there anyway to fix this or minimize it.

Ken_40

Bill,

Sure there is.

1. Make sure the pressure is very low (under 2 p.s.i.)

2. Make sure all the steam pipes are insulated!

3. Make sure there's no dips in the steam main or the puddle of water will "hammer" like crazy. Pitch is key, even if slight!

Take two aspirin, let us know how you make out. (;-o)

Jamie Hall

and it doesn't

take much of a dip (number 3). You'd be amazed...

Ken_40

The problem is...

Based on your further commentary - a plugged return line.

Somewhere between the vent at the end of the main, and the Hartford loop connection of the condensate return pipe there's blockage!

Either try and snake the line or replace it.

I'd bet lunch at your favortite restaurant THAT's the problem.

This diagnosis is based on your assuarnce the system's pressure gage is reasonably accurate and the system runs at 1-1/2 pounds pressure, max.

David Efflandt_2

Overflowing thing is air vent

That valve on steam pipe that is overflowing down your wall is most likely an air vent. It should only release air, not steam or water. Sounds like it is gunked up.