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Insanely Loud Hammering

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WFerri0296
WFerri0296 Member Posts: 1

I recently moved in a co-op building that is 100 years old and has 60 units. My unit is above the boiler room, slightly off by a few feet, so not directly above. The radiator is extremely loud. It’s hammering and popping worse than any video i’ve seen online of other heaters. There’s even some drops below the radiator, showing that there’s probably so much condensate built up that’s it’s starting to ooze out. My superintendent called the plumber who regularly services the building and he said “that’s just the way these old systems are”. It’s a 2 pipe system. I suspect that the steam trap is broken, so i definitely will replace that, but i don’t know what else to do. There’s probably a saggy pipe nearby that’s increasing the hammering. Also, i noticed the radiator in my living room has a little steam vent cone on the top of it that’s bleeding steam. That radiator has 0 hissing. I know you’re not “technically” supposed to have a steam vent on a 2 piped radiator, but it seems to be helping. Should I install one on my bedroom radiator or just replace the trap?

Comments

  • mattmia2
    mattmia2 Member Posts: 16,446

    the problem probably isn't in your apartment or just in your apartment. the co-op needs to find someone that knows what they are doing to fix the system. likely a lot of bad traps, possibly piping issues, possibly water quality in the boiler. it is unlikely is is something you can fix from your apartment.

    EdTheHeaterMan
  • EdTheHeaterMan
    EdTheHeaterMan Member Posts: 12,032

    The Co-op needs a better steam boiler technician. Also that will cost $$$ because what that steam boiler tech finds won't be an easy fix. So you end up living with a little banging. …and taking more winter vacations and living there in the summer when the heat is off.

    Edward Young Retired

    After you make that expensive repair and you still have the same problem, What will you check next?