New Boiler (conversion from oil to gas) - System Issues

CarlH

We recently replaced our existing oil powered boiler with one powered by natural gas.  At the same time we were also doing other renovations that caused us to temporarily remove 4 of the radiators while the work was being done.  When the radiators were reinstalled we experienced extremely loud banging from water buildup in the pipes.  We had the plumber fix the pitch problem in the pipes which has basically cured all the banging.  However, we are still left with 2 problems:

1.  One of the radiators in the kitchen is not heating up.  The pipe leading into the radiator is hot, but the raditator itself is not.  We had someone look at and they said water built up in the pipe and prevented the radiator from getting hot.  He said we need to drain the water out occassionally.  This was 3 weeks ago and it has already occured again.  I think it's crazy that I need to be down there draining that pipe once every few weeks.  Anyone have any thoughts as to why this is happening.

2.  When they system fires up the wood floors in our room start to creak extremely loud.  I'm guessing it's because the radiator metal is starting to expand, but this problem only recently started to occur which confuses me.  Anyone experience anything similiar>

Finally, we are looking for an experienced steam heat repair person in the Fairfield, CT area.  If anyone has any recommendations please send over.

Thank you

nicholas bonham-carter

creaky floors

it is very possible that the new boiler is developing more pressure than the old, which interferes with the operation of the vents. also, higher pressure=higher pipe surface temperature, and this could explain movement in the wood floor. having a good low-pressure gauge [gaugestore.com-0-2psi] on the same pigtail as your pressure control would show you the maximum pressure, as well as the back-pressure during the venting part of the cycle.

were the main [not radiator]  vents checked at the time of installation? if these are ineffective, the system will never work evenly, and you will be paying the gas company more for forcible air extraction during the cycle.

the idea that you should be emptying pipes is absolutely ludicrous, so i would suspect a wrongly pitched pipe somewhere leading to that radiator or as i said, a vent incapacitated by over-pressure.

try the "find a professional" button on the site here, but type in the name of your town, as the zip code feature may itself be "over-pressured".--nbc