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One loud thump

Hello,
My steam system is running well - thanks to hiring contractors from this forum to install and maintain it. However, recently we have been getting one loud thump from our kitchen radiator. I'm not sure if it is really from this radiator or we are just hearing it here because it may be the closest to the furnace. It isn't a regular knock but a thump. (It makes my dogs go crazy.) We aren't experiencing any knocking here or in other rooms.
Any thoughts?
In advance, thank you.
Elena

Comments

  • Hap_Hazzard
    Hap_Hazzard Member Posts: 2,846
    Is it happening once per cycle, and, if so, at what point during the cycle? Is the radiator in question hot when this occurs, or does it get hot afterwards?
    Just another DIYer | King of Prussia, PA
    1983(?) Peerless G-561-W-S | 3" drop header, CG400-1090, VXT-24
  • Elena08904
    Elena08904 Member Posts: 8
    Thanks, Hap_Hazzard. I don't know the answers but I will pay attention next time it happens.
  • Elena08904
    Elena08904 Member Posts: 8
    I've heard it twice in the last 90 minutes. Both times the radiator was just a bit warm. I think the first time was after the cycle. The 2nd time was at the start of a cycle, I think.
  • Hap_Hazzard
    Hap_Hazzard Member Posts: 2,846
    Check and see if the supply pipe is binding in the floorboard. You can try grabbing the radiator and rocking it gently back and forth. If that doesn't do anything, you can try lifting it with a crowbar and a woodblock. Use the woodblock as a fulcrum and to protect the flooring.
    Just another DIYer | King of Prussia, PA
    1983(?) Peerless G-561-W-S | 3" drop header, CG400-1090, VXT-24
  • ethicalpaul
    ethicalpaul Member Posts: 6,572
    I have one of these right now and I'm pretty sure it's due to my main pipe expanding (or contracting) and getting hung up on a hanger.

    I have to re-do the hanger with slidy milk jug material

    NJ Steam Homeowner.
    Free NJ and remote steam advice: https://heatinghelp.com/find-a-contractor/detail/new-jersey-steam-help/
    See my sight glass boiler videos: https://bit.ly/3sZW1el

  • Fred
    Fred Member Posts: 8,542
    It could also be the radiator expanding and contracting and the feet catching the floor before it pops loose. Try putting a strip of a plastic milk jug under each radiator foot and see if that stops it.
  • Elena08904
    Elena08904 Member Posts: 8
    what an interesting solution. Plastic milk jug. Okay :)
    Thank you.