Noisy radiators - stops when toilet flushed ????

Question

I have an almost new central heating system.

The radiators make a low wooshing noise all the time. I've been round them all and am convinced that they are bled properly, although I could be wrong.

The noise only stops when either the toilet's flushed or the kitchen tap's running, then it starts again.

I thought they were on a different system, this is really confusing me

Please help !!!!

Answer 1

sounds like it is an air bubble don't ask me how to solve it tho maybe they need bled

Answer 2

I was recently working with a home inspector on a home I'm purchasing and there was a water pipe extension about 2 feet long where the water comes into the water heater. Basically it was just like a pipe that extended vertical and was capped off. The inspector called it a "water gap" and indicated that it was used to keep the pipes from rattling and making noises. I'm not sure if this will help but might give you something to ask a plumber as a possible solution. Good Luck !!

Answer 3

This is confusing me as well . Try bleeding the air fom the rads with the boiler off Give any air time to rise to top of radiator. I don't know what type of boiler you have but if it is not a combi, check the small feed tank in the attic to see if it has about 6 to 8 inches of water. The noise through the radiators is definitely air.

Answer 4

Yeah your boiler is on a different system - however - your heating pipes may run close to your other pipes leading to a link between the problem you mention. The constant low wooshing noise sounds like mabe your water pump is a bit noisy - if it is a combi your pump needs to be on full no.3 if it is gravity fed open system try turning your pump down 1 click i.e. 3 to 2 or 2 to 1. Does the noise reduce when you turn your thermostatic rad valves up to full i.e.5? sometimes rad valves stick and cause a low clunking noise. Sounds like there is air in system have you tried bleeding the rads with your CH on. i.e.pump going this helps to force air out. Try switching off all the rads except one to be bled - this puts all the pump pressure onto one rad and forces any air out. Do this with each one and there is no way any air can be left in system. Good Luck

Answer 5

They are on a different system. Take an empty yogurt pot. Make two holes at the top and thread a piece of string through one hole. Go to your cold water tank and hang the yogurt pot over the ball float arm. Adjust string so the pot is about two inches below the water level. Tie the string securely on the float arm. When the cistern fills up the water filled yogurt pot acts like a brake and stops the float arm from vibrating. The vibrating starts in the cistern and goes all the way through your pipes much like ripples on a pond. By the time it gets to your rads the noise can be a real nuisance. The pot will stop any vibrations. If this does not cure your problem then you need to have it looked at as the continual vibrations will cause loosening of joints and connections and you will have bigger problems. Good Luck.

Answer 6

It could be due to the water pressure level being a bit too high. Although they do run on a different system the water still comes from the same water supply /tanks. If its a new system installed by a profesional, you should call him back to check it & to explained why the rads are so noisy. Point out to him that new radiators are meant to be silent.

Answer 7

Bleed your radiators. They are full of air pockets. If you can imagine the racket that your taps make when the water supply is switched off and then switched on again, that is what is going on inside your radiators. Another clue to an air pocket in the system is reduced heat coming from your radiators. If you have these problems, you can find instructions on bleeding radiators here: http://www.diydata.com/problem/central_heating/bleed.htm - failing this, enter 'bleed radiators' in the google search box and you will get literally thousands of results!

Answer 8

I can make no connection between the closed radiator circuit and your cold supply to the toilet and kitchen tap (hot or cold??) You would appear to have a possible serious plumbing problem, from your description!! Is the heating system open vented or closed (pressurised) ?

Answer 9

Better is to go to the installer of the system,because this sounds very unusual to me.
Have a new sysem myself,but never heard of the system being connected to the toilet or to the kitchen tab
This is really weird
greetings:P.DRAGON

Answer 10

You need to bleed your rads upstairs first to get the air out so the rad fills up with water then do the ones down stairs.So that there is no air in your system.It's the air pushing though the pipes that making the pipes vibrate.Hope this helps you good luck

Answer 11

I have seen this layout numerous times in construction and remodelling work.

What you have on your hands is whoever installed the water system hooked to return for the toilet and the radiator together. This is a sign of poor craftsmanship.