Air Vent Noise

Bob W._3

Gonna bump this to see if the steam guys pick it up.

Bump.

Ralph_6

Air Vent Noise

Hi,

I have a one-pipe steam system. I recently replaced the air vents on all my radiators with Hoffman 1As. A month later and the upstairs radiators (2nd floor) make a loud, gurgling noise when the air vents. The downstairs radiator air vents make no noise.

I replaced the main vent (Ventrite #35) and that didn't solve the problem. I flush the water in boiler once a week, so I don't think its dirty water causing the problem.

Any thoughts on how to stop this noise? I think water has gotten into the 2nd floor air vents, but I'm not sure why. I'm also not sure why the 2nd floor radiators make this noise and the first floor radiators don't.

Thanks for the help!

Ralph_6

Air Vent Noise

Hi,

I have a one-pipe steam system. I recently replaced the air vents on all my radiators with Hoffman 1As. A month later and the upstairs radiators (2nd floor) make a loud, gurgling noise when the air vents. The downstairs radiator air vents make no noise.

I replaced the main vent (Ventrite #35) and that didn't solve the problem. I flush the water in boiler once a week, so I don't think its dirty water causing the problem.

Any thoughts on how to stop this noise? I think water has gotten into the 2nd floor air vents, but I'm not sure why. I'm also not sure why the 2nd floor radiators make this noise and the first floor radiators don't.

Thanks for the help!

Ralph_6

More Info

Some more info - the air vents are filled with water on the 2nd floor radiators. The loud, hissing sound happens towards the end of the boiler cycle.

Steve Garson_2

I have the exact same problem.

Unknown

You have to go back to why you changed the air vents in the first place. Get a pro out to check that the near-boiler-piping is correct and that you have a main vent in the right spot.

Steve Garson_2

Steam Advice Needed

My wife is getting on my case on figuring out how to stop the vents from making noise since my daughter was awakened this AM to the sounds of vents.

I'm completely puzzled, since I never had the problem before installing the new boiler this year. I thought the problem might be wet steam, but after many skims and drainings, I finally gave in and used some KEK. But it didn't make a difference.

I have a very sensitive steam pressure gauge and notice that the sound only starts when the pressure hits 0.5psi and then increases until the cut-out at 1.5 psi.

Steve Garson_2

Steam Advice Needed

My wife is getting on my case on figuring out how to stop the vents from making noise since my daughter was awakened this AM to the sounds of vents.

I'm completely puzzled, since I never had the problem before installing the new boiler this year. I thought the problem might be wet steam, but after many skims and drainings, I finally gave in and used some KEK. But it didn't make a difference.

I have a very sensitive steam pressure gauge and notice that the sound only starts when the pressure hits 0.5psi and then increases until the cut-out at 1.5 psi.

Bob W._3

I don't want your post and this response to hijack the thread, but have you read The Lost Art of Steam Heating? In there Dan recommends venting radiators slow if they have these problems (water, spitting, noise). The key is to vent the mains and risers, as you already know. What vents are making this noise? The big Gortons (C and D) are great vents but they let a lot of steam in fast and generate a lot of condensate. I put up with it cause we like the heat.

Ralph_6

Slow Venting

I haven't read that one yet. I will try the slow venting and see if that works. That may do it since my 1st floor radiators are set at a slow venting rate and don't make nearly as much noise as the 2nd floors one, which are wide open.

I did take off one of the vents and drain it. Its been much quieter for the past few days.

Fritz2

Vents, etc

Just a quick note to say that Dan's book specifically adresses the problems that occur when new boilers are added to systems which never had a problem before. Might be worth a read.