Fixing Noisy Steam Radiators in Rhode Island

One of the big complaints about steam radiators (and a big reason that people want to replace steam systems with hot water heat) is that they are noisy. Many people believe that noise is inevitable with steam radiators. This is simply not true. Rather, the clanging, banging, and hissing comes from air or water in the pipes and radiators. Ending the air and water in the pipes and radiators is the best way to quiet a steam heat system and make it heat better at the same time.

At Veteran Steam Heat, We Understand the Reasons Behind Loud Radiators

At Veteran Steam Heat of Rhode Island, Master Plumber Doug Goss knows steam heat. Using his 30 years of experience, he will diagnose the location and cause of the noise problem and recommend a solution. With our ironclad guarantee you have nothing to lose, because if we can't fix your noisy radiators, you pay nothing.

Why Radiators Make Noise

The easy answer to the question, "Why do steam radiators make loud noises?" is that blockages in the system prevent the steam from moving through the pipes and radiators. The blockages are either the result of air trapped in the pipes, or water (condensate) sitting where it shouldn't. But what causes these blockages in the pipes?

The area several reasons that unwanted air or condensate in the pipes and radiators cause noise in a steam heat system:

• Smaller modern boilers without steam chests and inadequate near-boiler piping (to replace the old steam chest) results in a wet stem that leaves more moisture in the system, which in turn creates liquid more easily. When liquid sits in the pipes, it blocks steam from flowing through to the radiators. The pressure of the steam fighting the condensate creates the banging as the steam tries to overcome the blockages.
• The vents that allow the cooled steam in the radiators to flow back to the boiler for reheating are blocked or closed, keeping the cool water in the radiator and preventing hot steam from entering. As the steam tries to enter, it must fight the water, causing loud noises.
• The radiator tilts the wrong way, possibly because of a sinking floor, causing the water to stay in the radiator. This can happen even if the vents are working. As the steam tries to enter the water-filled radiator, it meets resistance, the resistance that results in the banging noises.
• Broken or obstructed air vents can cause whistling and squeaking sounds because the air doesn't fully escape.
• Blocked intake valves don't allow enough steam to enter the radiator, so it doesn't become warm enough. The steam that does enter is blocked by condensate left in the radiator because it is too cool, causing noise as the stream tries to enter.

The team at Veteran Steam Heat will make sure the radiator is level, that all vents and valves are working properly, that the near-boiler piping is adequate to produce dry steam. We will replace broken valves and vents, level radiators, and add near-boiler piping. These and other adjustments to the system usually end the dreaded banging noise that causes people to think they need a new heating system.

Contact Veteran Steam Heat of Rhode Island About Noisy Radiators

If the noises from your steam heat system are driving you crazy, don't replace the system. Rather, call Veteran Steam Heat of Rhode Island to learn how we can stop the noises. You have nothing to lose because of our ironclad guarantee: If we can't fix the problem, you don't pay anything. Give us a call to schedule your consultation. Telephone 401-369-7076 or contact us online.