| Author |
Message |
    
emmie
Citizen
Username: Emmie
Post Number: 174
Registered: 3-2002
| | Posted on Sunday, November 30, 2003 - 1:54 pm: |     |
I know I saw a thread on this somewhere but I can't find it. I have three radiators, or maybe its coming from the pipes, that make really loud clanking noises when the heat comes up. Never had this before. Any suggestions? Do I need a plumber or is it something simple that I can handle myself? |
Master Plvmber
Citizen
Username: Master_plvmber
Post Number: 134
Registered: 3-2003
| | Posted on Sunday, November 30, 2003 - 3:05 pm: | |
Have you had any work done on or around the system lately? Perhaps over the summer?
Master_Plvmber
|
emmie
Citizen
Username: Emmie
Post Number: 175
Registered: 3-2002
| | Posted on Sunday, November 30, 2003 - 3:51 pm: | |
My boiler guy came a few weeks ago to do the annual oil burner maintenance. Come to think of it I don't remember it clanking so loudly before that. |
Master Plvmber
Citizen
Username: Master_plvmber
Post Number: 135
Registered: 3-2003
| | Posted on Sunday, November 30, 2003 - 5:11 pm: | |
Check the water level in the gauge glass. It may be over-filled. Also, make sure there is not a valve on the return piping turned off.
It sounds like there is water where only steam should be and I'm willing to bet it's because of something that happened recently.
Another thing to look out for is the setting on the pressuretrol device:
DELICATE ISSUE ALERT:
I've heard stories, I'm not even sure I believe them to be true, and all of them took place in New York City, about unscrupulous service technicians increasing the boiler's operating pressure in order to make the unit burn more fuel. I'm NOT suggesting your serviceperson did that to you. Sometimes, a less experienced mechanic will turn it too high as well. But, the way it was found out was by an abundance of NEW noises when the system came on.
Just check it out. The cut-in setting should read about .5 psi and the little white wheel under the cover should be set at 1 or just a little past 1.
Master_Plvmber
|
NRL
Citizen
Username: Nrl
Post Number: 342
Registered: 8-2003
| | Posted on Sunday, November 30, 2003 - 5:17 pm: | |
I just read that chapter. Beware of plumbers turning up the pressutrol setting to increase pressure thinking it will get you more heat. It will not. It will only make your fuel bills soar. I turned my pressure down and the results and quietness of my system is amazing.
There could also be other reasons, if you want to take a stab at it yourself goto www.heatinghelp.com or call the service guy back. |
emmie
Citizen
Username: Emmie
Post Number: 176
Registered: 3-2002
| | Posted on Sunday, November 30, 2003 - 6:16 pm: | |
Thanks guys. The PSI cut-in was set at 0.5 and the wheel at about 1 1/2. I changed it to 1. Hopefully that will make a difference. The water gage was fine as I am always checking that and draining frequently. However, don't know how to find the return piping and its valve. |
Master Plvmber
Citizen
Username: Master_plvmber
Post Number: 136
Registered: 3-2003
| | Posted on Monday, December 1, 2003 - 6:48 am: | |
Your pressure settings are perfect.
There may not be a valve on the return piping. It was a just a thought. You may have to have your return pipes flushed or your main pipes (or your radiators)re-pitched properly. Or you may have a bad air vent that isn't allowing a portion of your system to drain properly.
The bottom line is, see how it goes now that you've lowered the steam perssure a bit. If it hasn't improved, you may want to call a good heating plumber or your oil serviceperson to have a look.
Good luck.
Master_Plvmber
|
jgberkeley
Supporter
Username: Jgberkeley
Post Number: 3352
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Monday, December 1, 2003 - 11:29 am: | |
Emmmie,
Call your service guy and ask him to tell you exactly what he did.
Something changed as that system was as quiet as a kitten the last time I looked at it.
The clue is what changed. |
emmie
Citizen
Username: Emmie
Post Number: 177
Registered: 3-2002
| | Posted on Monday, December 1, 2003 - 6:58 pm: | |
Thanks to all. It seems a little quieter now but I am going to call my service guy anyway. |
Closed: New threads not accepted on this page