Exposed return pipes cooling

Saldanah

We were told that some of the exposed return pipes in one unit in our apartment building can produce banging noises at the end of the cycle if they cool down. This is a two-pipe system. Is that a common occurrence or is it a result of a pitch issue or a failed trap? Should we consider pipe insulation or pipe heating cables (?) as a workaround to keep the return pipes warm? Curious to hear your experience with both the problem and potential solutions.

Thank you.

Jamie Hall

Very very doubtful —although anything can happen. If this is a two pipe system and the returns are getting hot enough to be an expansion problem, check the traps. Not that returns can't get hot, but they shouldn't get that hot.

Mad Dog_2

Pictures? Possible flat or backpiitched dry returns. Mad Dog

Saldanah

Thank you. What the boiler company told us is that the return pipes are likelier to bang more when they cool down when the ambient temperature is lower. It is not a case of the return pipes getting hot at this point. They are lukewarm to the touch as one would expect. The pitch seems fine.

pecmsg

I don’t get a warm fuzzy feeling with a statement like that.

EBEBRATT-Ed

Agree with @pecmsg sounds like some missing information and the boiler company is telling you a story.