Steam Riser Nightmare

JordanNYC

Hi-
We recently moved into an old building in Soho, NY. Over the past 150 years, many modifications have been made to the steam heat system. We have 2 major issues (in our bedroom of course) and looking for any input or guidance! The dropbox link contains the videos from each of our problem areas. (https://www.dropbox.com/sh/wilwhhny7uswuy5/AADMRBZsgVKjjtdP2qpBnEUYa?dl=0) Our building plumbers have been here SIX times and despite some changes- the problems persist.

#1- Vertical east riser next to radiator (east riser on video link). Our radiators are always OFF and they emit zero sound. As soon as the boiler turns on, starts with snapping then within 1 minute, severe banging. There used to be a horizontal run-off at the top, which is now capped. We reduced the amount of contact of the riser with the floor and this seemed to reduce some of the snapping (including milk carton). Our plumbers do not think the horizontal cap with possible water retention is a source.

#2- Ceiling Riser/Horizontal Run off (Ceiling riser on video link). Severe banging (and ceiling damage) about 3 minutes after boiler turns on. This is pipe exits above a closet and enters the apt above to a radiator. The horizontal run off is about 10 feet long behind our closet and the pitch is questionable, but our plumbers feel it is sufficient. When our upstairs neighbor turns off their radiator, the horizontal runoff remains cold and makes ZERO sound. Thus, our plumbers told our upstairs neighbor the radiator was the problem. $3500 later and with new radiators, SAME PROBLEM!

The boiler cycles every few hours in the winter and we cannot sleep through it. Our building management is useless and worried our plumbers will not be able to solve the problems. Any help appreciated!

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/wilwhhny7uswuy5/AADMRBZsgVKjjtdP2qpBnEUYa?dl=0

Jamie Hall

I can't open the files, but your description sounds like a combination of water hammer and expansion. I presume these are one pipe radiators? It makes a difference.

JordanNYC

Yep- These are all one-pipe radiators.
Tried Dropbox this time:
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/wilwhhny7uswuy5/AADMRBZsgVKjjtdP2qpBnEUYa?dl=0

Mad Dog_2

We are here to help, Jordan.  I'm reviewing your info as we speak.  We specialize in helping folks just like you get resolution and peaceful heating bliss - FOR GOOD.  All diagnoses 100% guaranteed.  You visit our ad attached below.  Matt Mad Dog Sweeney 🐕 

Mad Dog_2

Ok  this time it went through.  Very fixable.  Mad Dog 🐕 

dabrakeman

Should be 1" of pitch to 10' of length on that horizontal near the ceiling.

Nice looking radiator! Kind of like the rust look. Could be sandblasted and painted up nice if you don't.

Are you saying you never turn that radiator on and you are still getting a snapping and noise from it? Does the entire radiator stay cold when you have it off? Putting the milk jug plastic where there may be some contact between its riser and wood flooring can help as you found out but if the radiator is cold and you are still getting noise maybe the noise is propagating from an issue below you.

JordanNYC

We love the old cast iron radiator look!

The radiator is always off and the pipe to the radiator is always cold, and luckily not a problem. The vertical riser behind it gets hot, and is where the noise comes from. The milk jug seems to abate the snapping a bit, but the banging persists.