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Hammering on boiler shutdown

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Jshine
Jshine Member Posts: 19
in Strictly Steam
This is happening on a random basis.  I have a 1 pipe system that runs below 2 psi - thermostat set to 1 cycle - very quiet and even heat system - except - 1  radiator hammers (sometimes) when the boiler shuts down.  I think I tracked it to a radiator on the second floor and best I can tell it's on a pipe which is a straight shot from the basement - no other radiators attached.  What are the typical things to look for??

John

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  • BobC
    BobC Member Posts: 5,477
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    Check the piping

    Make sure all the piping is sloped so water can find it's way back to the boiler and check the pitch of the radiator to be sure condensate can get out of the radiator.



    Does this radiator heat up ok?



    Bob
    Smith G8-3 with EZ Gas @ 90,000 BTU, Single pipe steam
    Vaporstat with a 12oz cut-out and 4oz cut-in
    3PSI gauge
  • nicholas bonham-carter
    nicholas bonham-carter Member Posts: 8,576
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    radiator hammering

    what sort of vent do you have on this radiator?

    are you sure it is water-hammer, and not the sound of expanding/contracting metal rubbing against a wood joist?

    how do you know that your pressure is really following the settings of the pressuretrol?

    is this riser closest to the boiler, off the main?--nbc 
  • Jshine
    Jshine Member Posts: 19
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    hammering

    Radiator heats up fine and looks like maybe as much as a 1 inch pitch to the supply side - maybe too much pitch? 
  • Jshine
    Jshine Member Posts: 19
    edited March 2011
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    hammering

    the vent is a maid of mist 'c"  - 

    - just from the 30psi gauge and the pressuretrol is at the lowest setting i could get it without it coming apart.

    ....is this riser closest to the boiler, off the main?--...    not sure what you mean -
  • BobC
    BobC Member Posts: 5,477
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    a bit much

    A 1" pitch on a radiator is a bit much, try reducing that to 1/8-1/4" and see if it makes a difference. Also there could be a short horizontal pipe from the riser to the valve that doesn't have the right pitch; problem is it's hard to tell when it's behind a plaster ceiling, you could try raising both ends say 3-4" so everything gets a boost (might want to wait for warmer weather to try - just in case) - just be careful, you don't want to crack a pipe. make sure you maintain some pitch on the radiator.



    One more thing make sure the radiator valve is open full.



    Bob
    Smith G8-3 with EZ Gas @ 90,000 BTU, Single pipe steam
    Vaporstat with a 12oz cut-out and 4oz cut-in
    3PSI gauge
  • will smith_4
    will smith_4 Member Posts: 259
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    Radiator hammer

    How big is the radiator? Could be that it's sagging in the middle sections, or it could be partially plugged with sediment/rust-which would impede the flow of condensate out. 
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