Noisy radiators

Pete_10

I would appreciate any help in resolving a problem with my steam heating system. I have purchased and read both the “We Got Steam Heat” and “A Pocketful Of Steam Problems (with solutions) by Dan Holohan, but have been unable to determine and eliminate the problems that I have been having.

I live in a one level home that was built in 1939 that has a steam heating system. I believe that the “Dead Men” knew what they were doing at the time and no changes or modifications have been made to the original radiators or pipes that have the original insulation and pitch. I have lived in the house for the past twenty years and the problems only started two years ago. The system is a one-pipe steam system with six radiators. The system has been drained and the radiator values replaced one year ago.

The problem is that the radiator values and radiators are noisy. The radiator values will hiss for 5 to twenty seconds followed by a sharp single bang lasting one second as if the were struck once with a metal object. It is not a banging sound rather a sharp clank but quite loud. This patter continues from one radiator to another until it has occurred with all six radiators. Also, a couple of the radiators make a cracking sound where the radiator pipe meets the hardwood floors. There seems to be sufficient space around the radiator pipe.

There is no odor and the radiator values do not “spit” and there is no water that comes out of them and all values are completely open. Radiators are pitched properly. The heat is fine and even across all radiator tubes and all radiators have consistent heat. The pressure of the furnace is low as recommend in the Dan Holohan books. The noise is loud enough to interfere with sleeping.

A plumber has looked at my entire system and cannot determine how to eliminate the problem. Again, everything was fine for 18 years then the problem started 2 years ago and will not go away. Any assistance is greatly appreciated.

Pete_10

Noisy Radiators

I would appreciate any help in resolving a problem with my steam heating system. I have purchased and read both the “We Got Steam Heat” and “A Pocketful Of Steam Problems (with solutions) by Dan Holohan, but have been unable to determine and eliminate the problems that I have been having.

I live in a one level home that was built in 1939 that has a steam heating system. I believe that the “Dead Men” knew what they were doing at the time and no changes or modifications have been made to the original radiators or pipes that have the original insulation and pitch. I have lived in the house for the past twenty years and the problems only started two years ago. The system is a one-pipe steam system with six radiators. The system has been drained and the radiator values replaced one year ago.

The problem is that the radiator values and radiators are noisy. The radiator values will hiss for 5 to twenty seconds followed by a sharp single bang lasting one second as if the were struck once with a metal object. It is not a banging sound rather a sharp clank but quite loud. This patter continues from one radiator to another until it has occurred with all six radiators. Also, a couple of the radiators make a cracking sound where the radiator pipe meets the hardwood floors. There seems to be sufficient space around the radiator pipe.

There is no odor and the radiator values do not “spit” and there is no water that comes out of them and all values are completely open. Radiators are pitched properly. The heat is fine and even across all radiator tubes and all radiators have consistent heat. The pressure of the furnace is low as recommend in the Dan Holohan books. The noise is loud enough to interfere with sleeping.

A plumber has looked at my entire system and cannot determine how to eliminate the problem. Again, everything was fine for 18 years then the problem started 2 years ago and will not go away. Any assistance is greatly appreciated.

gehring

Noisy Air Valves

I am not a pro, so I am only writing from personal experience. It would seem the sharp clang is simply the valve doing its job i.e. thermally closing to prohit the steam from escaping. I have found some valves are more quiet than others. Without disparaging any name brands out there I have found that the cheapo valves purchased at some home improvement stores are of lesser quality and are noisy as compared with a more expensive, better quality valve bought at a plumbing supply house. I personally re-fitted all of my radiator valves with various speed Gortons (i.e. numbers 4,5,6 C, D, etc.) and I hardly hear them. The "crackling" sound around the pipe I would think is just normal expansion/contraction of the wood framing/subfloor etc. being near the hot steam pipe.

Steamhead

Some vents are definitely quieter than others

Gorton and Maid-o-Mist are the quietest I've seen. But also check the pressure settings at the boiler- they should be cranked down as low as possible.

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J.C.A._3

I agree with Steamhead,

If the pressure settings are as low as possible it may be , time to check the pigtail for obstructions, and if the boiler was replaced in the same time frame, maybe a Vaporstat will make things quieter.

New boilers make steam SOOO much faster than anything more than 15-20 years ago, that the measurements provided by the manufacturers HAVE to be followed to the T.

If the system is older, I would think that "expansion noise" has been taken care of, unless radiators have been moved. Steam works better and more quietly when moving slower. (I have no reason to lie about this!) Chris

Pete_10

Noisy radiators

The radiator values that I have now were bought at a reputable plumbing supply house (Vent-Rite). I cannot recall the price, but they are a reputable brand and did not fall in the cheapo category. The plumbing supply house does sell Gorton radiator values and I will be purchasing them tomorrow and will give them a try. The weather is warming up now, so I may not be able to experience them in a consistent heating environment until the upcoming fall. The pigtail has no obstructions and the pressure settings are at the lowest possible setting. Thank you for your responses and information, I hope that this change will lead to quieter times.

doug_10

Main vent(s)!

How are the main vents?

If you can hear the vents venting, you don't have enough vents.

Check/replace your main vents in the basement.

Pressuretrols I've run across are notoriously inaccurate, might need to replace it. If replacement is necessary, spend a few extra bucks, and get a vaporstat. It's a worthwhile, long-term investment. You'll be glad you did it.

Mark Hunt

The \"Marks\" agree


I'd be willing to bet that you have no main vents AND the boiler pressure is too high.

You stated that the problem started two years ago. What changed two years ago? New boiler? New service compnay? New controls?

Post some pics, if you can, of the system.

Mark H

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doug_10

So does that count

as a resume?! :-)