How to quiet a noisy steam radiator

Bob W._3 · December 2005

The problem may not be in your condo. You should check the pitch of the radiator, making sure it drains back to the one pipe supply. You can try adjustable vents to see if you find a setting that works, both for the heat needed and the silence desired (not likely, by the way). The main thing to do is contact your building committee and ask that they evaluate the venting of the mains and correct that, since your radiators are probable venting too much because the mains are not vented (and/or the boiler pressure is too high). If they won't fix the problem, you can go to the next level and try a form of master venting, by venting all of the risers as they enter your condo. This may mean moving the radiators slightly, and could entail some expense. Get The Lost Art of Steam Heating and open the chapter on venting and read it.

Ann_3 · December 2005

How to quiet a noisy steam radiator

I moved into my condo which has a two-pipe steam system for heating. The radiators are very noisy. The vents alternate between making a whistling noise (it sounds like a tea kettle), making a hissing noise, and being silent. Also, one of the radiators makes knocking and gurgling noises. Is there anything I can do to quiet the noise? I've tried replacing the radiator vents, but it did not seem to help too much. I am getting heat, and have made sure that the valves are turned all the way on.

John_102 · December 2005

Ann, a bump up the wall -

I'm no professional; perhaps someone will see this if I shove it up top again.

Why would a two-pipe system have radiator vents? Usually there is a valve on the supply side & a steam trap on the exit unless, of course, you've got one of several variations. A bit of gurgle would be OK (I believe) if your system is as I've described - as the trap opens, condensate drains.

Anyway, the main point is to bump this up the list. I will plug Dan Holohan's books, especially We've Got Steam Heat if you wish an overview & The Lost Art after you've been hooked (which WILL happen). Also go to Find A Professional (on the left) and punch in your zip. Remember, it's a wise dog that scratches its own fleas (& trusts its vet).

Ann_3 · December 2005

Correction - I have a one pipe system

I was mistaken about having a 2 pipe system. I have a 1 pipe system. I'm in a condo so I don't have control of my boiler. So it's hard to schedule someone to be there at the exact time when the noises are being made. Some of the things I have looked into are 1) replacing the vents; 2) draining the radiators; and 3) adding shims. Would any of that help? I have looked into the books and may very well get one. Thanks for the recommendation.

John_102 · December 2005

Well, that's a different pot of eels, altogether....

> I was mistaken about having a 2 pipe system. I

> have a 1 pipe system. I'm in a condo so I don't

> have control of my boiler. So it's hard to

> schedule someone to be there at the exact time

> when the noises are being made. Some of the

> things I have looked into are 1) replacing the

> vents; 2) draining the radiators; and 3) adding

> shims. Would any of that help? I have looked into

> the books and may very well get one. Thanks for

> the recommendation.

I REALLY don't know anything about one pipe steam. From a few years of lurking here (& refernce to DH's books), what comes to mind includes (but probably isn't restricted to):

Gurgling problems:

Make sure the rads are pitched toward the pipe. I belive the recommended shim are checkers (seems like poker chips would work & it might be handy to have a few extra stashed at hand). You don't want a huge pitch, just enough to invite the condensate back home.

Make sure the valves are completely open. As I understand it, you can't use the valve as a throttle in 1-pipe steam - the steam vent is for that.

And sure, the vents could be worn out - I don't know what the life expectancy of a vent is (steam traps are maybe 3 - 5 years). As to what you should replace them with, I'll definately differ to someone with knowledge.

John_102 · December 2005

Well, that's a different sized pot of eels, altogether....

I REALLY don't know anything about one pipe steam. From a few years of lurking here (& refernce to DH's books), what comes to mind includes (but probably isn't restricted to):

Make sure the rads are pitched toward the pipe. I believe the recommended professional-grade shims are checkers (seems like poker chips would work & it might be handy to have a few extra stashed at hand). You don't want a huge pitch, just enough to invite the condensate back home. Those rads weigh a lot, so be careful.

Make sure the valves are completely open. As I understand it, you can't use the valve as a throttle in 1-pipe steam - the steam vent is for that.

And sure, the vents could be worn out - I don't know what the life expectancy of a vent is (steam traps are maybe 3 - 5 years). As to what you should replace them with, I'll defer to someone with knowledge.

As far as hissing goes, I suppose the vents will make a slight amount of noise as they let air out of the rads. Shouldn't be much, I'd think. No spitting 'though and I'd expect more of a sigh than a hiss.

Again, knowing absolutely nothing about 1-pipe steam (& being nearly as well-informed on 2-pipe) I'd say you should consult a pro. Does this building have a super? Does the super know anything about steam? An observation that I heard a few years ago that has stuck with me is that the source of a steam problem is seldom in the same room as the symptom. Perhaps the boiler needs some attention? Way beyond anything I'm competent to speak to.

Peace.

How to quiet a noisy steam radiator

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