Radiator sounds like rainwater in a downspout

Liam

Recently purchased an old house with a two pipe steam heat system. Every morning I'm waking up to a sound comming from the radiator that sounds like rainwater in a downspout. Any theories as to what's going on?

Jamie Hall

well, one possibility...

do you have a significant night setback? If so, it could just be the condensate from a good full run running out the traps and down the return...

Does it do it every time the system runs? Or just in the morning?

Liam

sounds like rainwater in a downspout

I do have a significant night setback but I hear it every time the system runs and for as long as the system runs.

Jamie Hall

well now...

do you hear the gurgle right from the start? Or does it wait until steam hits the radiator? I still think that it's the condensate... but I've been wrong before!

Liam

Think I figured it out

the radiator in question is on the second floor, the problem appears to be that the steam trap on the radiator below it on the first floor is stuck open allowing steam into a common drain line. As condensate from the upper radiator tries to flow down it meets the steam from the lower radiator and hense the noise. there was water hammer when the unit was first turned on but not after that, not even when the unit cycled, can't quite explain the timing but am a bit new to these systems.