Steam Radiator Noise

gehring_3

This is a minor question in the sense that my one pipe steam system is otherwise running just fine...when the thermostat is satisfied and the boiler shuts down and the air vents re-open to allow air back into the system, I have two radiators that are particularly noisey at that time. They both hiss (suck air) quite loudly. I have tried replacing their respective vents, I have boiled in vinegar and cleanned their respective vents, yet still these two particular rads always sound off while all 14 others in the house are silent. All my rad vents are new Gortons of various size and speed. I have new (one year old) Gorton #1's and #2 on my mains. The rads in question are each fitted with Gorton #5's. As first mentioned, the system otherwise works great. I am just trying to fine tune the whole opertion and was wondering why only these two rads are so noisy upon shut down while everything else is silent. They are each off different mains, but neither could be considered the farthest away from the boiler. In an effort to acheive a relatively silent steam system I would appreaciate your help. Thanks.

Fred Harwood

Rad noise

One observation about Gorton main vents: A great vent, they tend to stay closed after the end of a heating call if they get and stay above about 140 degrees. When that happens, they can't let air back in, so it comes back through the largest rad vents. Try extending your mains vent piping (no insulation) a bit to get them further away from the heat of the main and to allow them to cool off and reopen faster.

gehring_3

Thanks for the suggestion. I have no head room to extend up, so is horizontal also acceptable? Also, would it help to add extra insulation to the main/dry returns at the point of the vent TEE's to help keep the external temp lower around there?

Fred Harwood

Rad noise

Yes, you can go sideways about a foot or 18 inches with bare black pipe the size of the vent tap. Ensure that it's installed so that no condensate blocks the piping. Yes, insulate all mains from the boiler to the vent tee.

Rich Baker

Head room issue

I also have a main vent head room issue. Fred, are you saying you can mount the Gorton horizontaly, and what is the best type of pipe to use.

Steamhead

No, the vent must be vertical

but you can offset it from the main if needed, making sure the pipe is pitched back to the main.

Also- are the steam mains insulated?

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John Shea

The noise that's bothering you..

Is it simply the loud hissing when the vents are open?

Or do you get water-hammer and banging in the pipes?

Fred Harwood

Offset

Offset the vent about 18 inches with regular black pipe and two els to keep the vent vertical. Do not insulate the offset pipe. Do not reduce the size of the offset pipe.

gehring_3

Reply


Thanks Fred - I will try offsetting my main vents.

Ref. John Shea's question - It is just the simple hissing that I am trying to silence. I have no water hammer or banging. No other problems. System works great.

Ref. Steamhead's question - Yes all of my mains and dry returns are well insulated. Only my near boiler piping is not insulated. Perhaps this is causing additional heat to rise in the vicinity of the main vents? I'd hate to insulate the near boiler piping as it is the only source of heat I get by my workbench area, but should I?

gehring_3

Reply

Thanks Fred - I will try offsetting my main vents.

Ref. John Shea's question - It is just the simple hissing that I am trying to silence. I have no water hammer or banging. No other problems. System works great.

Ref. Steamhead's question - Yes all of my mains and dry returns are well insulated. Only my near boiler piping is not insulated. Perhaps this is causing additional heat to rise in the vicinity of the main vents? I'd hate to insulate the near boiler piping as it is the only source of heat I get by my workbench area in the cellar, but should I?

Chuck Sorce

When you say you can come out horizonital, I am assuming when drilling and tapping it is wise to error a little on the side of exagerating (5°) elevating the vent. If you come out "horizontal" with a slight declination, this might create a watertrap at the elbow.

Would it be best to make it a 45° to prevent this?