Fixing a noisy steam pipe (expansion noises).

ChrisJ

I made up another plastic bushing to stop a pipe from making noise. Not sure why this pipe suddenly became noisy this year but it probably has to do with things shifting a little from me messing with them. The pipe was rubbing on the floor on one side and nothing I tried made it any better.

I make these out of 1 gallon plastic water jugs. I cut a few slits on one side to make it so I can screw it or staple it to the floor in the basement / crawlspace. If not anchored I've found they usually slowly walk back out of the hole. This one was in a pretty tight spot and the floor is pretty boogered up around the pipe for some reason so the job looks crummy but should work fine just the same.

The reason this works is the plastic allows the pipe to glide smoothly and quietly rather than stick and jump against the wood which results in loud popping as the pipe heats and cools.

This is in no way my idea but I wanted to pass the information on with pictures in hopes to help other members. I have not tested this specific one yet but others I have done have always worked.


As always all comments and questions are welcome.

vaporvac

Thanks for the visual. I was just thinking I ought to try this out on one problem pipe.

SWEI

If you need something a bit more stout, you might try a short piece of PEX or HDPE pipe. We use them for concrete and steel penetrations -- just slit them for retrofit use.

gerry gill

Interesting, i would have thought it would melt. I could have used that on a number of occasions. I will try that next time. Thanks

ChrisJ

gerry gill said:

Interesting, i would have thought it would melt. I could have used that on a number of occasions. I will try that next time. Thanks

Which did you think would melt Gerry, the plastic bottle or the Pex / HDPE?

SWEI

Same stuff (basically) but the pipes are made from a higher grade of PE. The black irrigation pipe has a bunch of carbon UV inhibitors, thinner walls, and comes in pretty much any diameter you can imagine.

JohnW2

I would love to be able to do this. The two largest radiators in my house have pipes that are sitting against the edge of the hole and they both bang loudly once or twice when the steam first hits and then once again about a half an hour after it shuts off. I've tried cutting up a plastic folder and sliding the pieces in, but the radiators are so heavy and up against the wood so tightly that I can't get the plastic in. It just bends back every time I try to do it. Can I ask how you're able to force the plastic in there?

Jamie Hall

JohnW2 -- you may have to resort to using a couple of levers or crowbars to lift the radiator enough to move it over just very slightly. You'll probably need some help, as both ends of the radiator have to be lifted and shifted just a little bit so there's room for the plastic. Unless your last name is Henry, of course!