It's sounds like someone is pounding them with a hammer. By the way, I just turned my heat on yesterday.
2006-10-23 02:53:53 · 4 answers · asked by bigdstl 1 in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
Knock Knock
Any family familiar with home radiators have experienced the ghostly sounds of knocking and banging coming from radiators even when no one is in the room. While it sounds like a poltergeist banging away on the pipes, it is actually trapped air in the system, which rises to the top and reduces the efficiency of the radiator's heating ability.
To resolve the problem, a bleed valve is usually installed in the top of the radiator, allowing the excess air to be bled out of the system. Typically, a radiator needs to be bled twice a season, or more as needed. Those located on upper floors tend to need this treatment a bit more often, as they accumulate more air quicker.
The banging can also come from improperly set up radiators, whose pipes will bang on surrounding surfaces as they expand and contract from temperature changes. If you have an old fashioned radiator in your home, consider putting heat-reflective paneling between the radiator and the exterior wall of the house to improve the system's efficiency.
2006-10-23 03:03:07 · answer #1 · answered by Thumper 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
You have air in the system at the bottom of the radiator there should be a valve to let the air out I think most of them have certain key that fits those old radiators just crack it till nothing comes out but water you will have to do this to all you radiators in the house starting at the one that is closest to the furnace and work your way to the one furthest away from furnace till you get all the air out. If you dont have the key you can probably get it at Home Depot or Hardware Stores just ask for a key for Cast Iron radiator
2006-10-23 03:11:58 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
This is called steam hammer & it occurs when condensate (water) is mixed with steam. You probably have water accumulated in your pipes from setting over the summer & now that you've got heat on, it's mixing with the steam & causing the banging. It should quit after the water is out of the system. If not, you need to get maintenance help. By the way, the answer by thumper is bull.
2006-10-23 03:03:28 · answer #3 · answered by Edward J 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You have air in them. You need to bleed the air out at the bleeder valves at the radiators until you have a steady stream of water coming out
2006-10-23 03:04:31 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋