How do you stop heating (steam) pipes from clanking?

Answer 1

remove the air if there is a relief valve.

Answer 2

The noise comes from two sources: Steam hitting water at the radiator, and pipes expanding. Steam condenses back into water inside the radiator, and flows back down the pipes to the boiler. The radiator must be slightly pitched down toward the steam pipe to allow the water to flow. If the water stays in the radiator, the steam will hit the water, and have to fight its way through the water into the radiator. This will cause a banging noise. Therefore, make sure the radiator is pitched down toward the pipe.

The pipes expand when the steam flows through them. The pipe will "ping" a little as it expands. This is normal. If you are getting a lot of noise, check where the pipe passes through the floor, and make sure the pipe has 1/4" space all the way around. If the pipe is tight in the hole, it will make noise when it expands. However, to prevent smoke and fire from spreading from one floor to the next, you can't leave the 1/4" space open. Fill the space with an approved fire caulk. It will allow the pipe to expand, and maintain the fireproof integrity of the floor.

Answer 3

I just saw a show about this tonight. The radiator wasn't level and so water would pool in the bottom of it on one end and cool. Then when the heat came back on, the steam would come into the radiator, hit the cold water at the end of the radiator and cause noise. They used furniture casters to raise the end of the radiator (using a level on top to tell when it was even). They said you could also use little wooden shims, but that the casters or sliders look nicer.

Answer 4

There's air in the radiators, simply use the relief valve on the top of the radiator to let the air out. Wait until the radiator is running (the boiler) when pressure is up put a pail under the valve and turn it on, slowly. Let the pressure out until you see water coming. This should do it. You should do this twice a year.