If you see this boiler a-rockin...

Newtosteam

Hey guys,

Maybe not-so-quick question, albeit probably a pretty common one, has anyone out there know what's causing a boiler to really shake the floor when it first fires up, and radiators that clang a lot? The boiler doesn't seem to stay on for very long, but that could be bad placement of the thermostat (being just down the hall from the strongest radiator). There are cooler pockets upstairs, but I expected that with a radiator. Overall, not bad temperature management.



Thanks and let me know if more details are needed.



Heather

nicholas bonham-carter

More details needed

What sort of system is this?

When your system was first installed many years ago, it was silent and even heating, so what has happened since then?--NBC

Newtosteam

just bought house

Single-pipe radiators. Not sure about the history of the system - we just purchased the house this past spring and are completely green when it comes to steam heating (if that's not evident enough, ha ha!). It's a Peerless boiler, and we didn't have to fire it up all that much then; when we did, there was some banging then, but nothing that shook the floor. It was just recently serviced by a plumber, who did the usual seasonal servicing and replaced all the valves on the radiators. The shaking seems to be worse when it first kicks on after not being on for a bit.

nicholas bonham-carter

New valves

What vents are now on the radiators, and did you keep the old ones, in case you have to reinstall them? What sort of main vents are on now?--NBC

Steamhead

And

what model Peerless boiler?

BobC

Oil fired boiler?

If this is a oil fired boiler and it fires up with a bang it could be delayed ignition. that could be crud in the spark gap or a weak ignition transformer.



If the racket doesn't start till the boiler starts to make steam it could be a number of things all involving water hammer. That means you have water sitting in pipes where it shouldn't be. Make sure all the piping has consistent slope and don't trust your eyes, use a level. Also check the radiators to make sure they have a slight slop back towards the input valve.



The fact it doesn't run long may mean your air vents on the steam main are not working, look for them and make sure they are working. It may also indicate your boiler is to big for the amount of radiators you have.



Your piping should resemble one of these images below.



Bob