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Hissing vents

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My vents on multiple radiators started hissing just after insulating my pipes (1pipe system). I suspect they are clogged with debris and I only now notice that steam can reach the radiators. Should boiling the vents in a water/vinegar solution help this issue? Also my wet return is a copper pipe which I’ve also insulated. Is this ok or will I run into problems because it’s not steal? 

Comments

  • Jamie Hall
    Jamie Hall Member Posts: 27,618
    copper wet return is fine. Check you cutin and cutout pressures...
    Br. Jamie, osb
    Building superintendent/caretaker, 7200 sq. ft. historic house museum with dependencies in New England
  • coolcod
    coolcod Member Posts: 2
    I took the valve off one of the first radiators in line and boiled it in a water vinegar solution (system off of course) and replaced it. Since then I haven’t heard any hissing/loud continuous venting. I already had the cut-in / cut-outs set to .5 and 1.5. I checked them again and gave the files a little wiggle as I e read these gages are not very accurate. 

    I was planning on boiling all the vents but if everything seems happy than I suppose I’ll let em be. 
    ethicalpaul
  • EBEBRATT-Ed
    EBEBRATT-Ed Member Posts: 20,634

    Copper is no issue below the boiler water line.

    ChrisJIntplm.
  • Jamie Hall
    Jamie Hall Member Posts: 27,618

    In fact, in some ways it's better — doesn't rust!

    Br. Jamie, osb
    Building superintendent/caretaker, 7200 sq. ft. historic house museum with dependencies in New England
    Intplm.
  • Intplm.
    Intplm. Member Posts: 3,101

    @StevenS11 Agree with all of this until you mention the copper issue. On a steam system, and used this way, copper is fine.