Baseboard Heat Water/Gas contant Banging sound??

Question

I just moved into a 'new' old house this fall and am having trouble with my heat. The Heater in the basement is making a loud banging noise at the top of the heater where a pressure release valve appears to be. This happens when the furnace is at 150F and around 10 PSI. It looks like the valve is releasing pressure then slamming shut. Because the pressure gauge drops from 10 to 0 in time with the banging. Is this a defective valve? Other problem?

When I open the valve, the banging stops, but the temperature rises dramatically, and steam is released. Then after a few minutes the banging starts up again.

I don't have any bleeder valves on the ends of the baseboards it appears to be a continuous system, so there may be air in the pipes, but I am not sure how to get it out?

Please help its driving us crazy.......

Answer 1

Banging usually occurs when steam encounters a cold surface or water. The steam bubble collapses and creates a loud banging noise. This occurs in old, single pipe, heating systems when the steam starts rising. There is nothing you can do about it, except make sure all your steam traps are working and the pipes are sloped so that the water does not accumulate in pockets but drains back to the boiler.

If your system is "solid", i.e., a hot water system, then, you should have an expansion tank at the highest point of your piping. Look for it , otherwise, install one.

It could be that your vent valve at the boiler is not working properly. Consider replacing it.

Consider bringing expert help. It may be that other settings are not cutting out at the right pressure or temperature.
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Answer 2

You have to have some way of bleeding the air out of the system. Check both ends of the baseboard for a small valve > I think what is happening is your boiler is low on water and the self feed cant or wont open as long as there is pressure in the boiler. A forced hot water system shouldn't have steam in it You have to get the air out so the system can fill up with water to circulate through the baseboards. Look real hard for the air valve it has to be there somewhere

Answer 3

The fact that you believe in ghosts and the paranormal is probably the start of the problem. When someone believes in something, whether true or not, it becomes their reality. . Look, I'm not saying you're crazy. I remember after I watched the movie Paranormal Activity, I started hearing strange noises in the house I never heard before for a week. When you believe in something strongly, you develop a heightened perception about it. That's why people who believe in the paranormal will sometimes take the smallest noise, or sight, and give a paranormal explanation for it. It's normal; It's nothing magical or paranormal, it's just the way our brains work. It's happens everyday. It is the same reason why sometimes, when we buy a certain model car, all of a sudden we start seeing that specific model on the road more often. Does that mean that all of a sudden there is more of those cars on the road? No. It just means that your perception regarding that model has heightened and now you're seeing it everywhere. I suggest that you think about questioning and challenging your belief in the paranormal. I can guarantee you that the banging noises will stop within a few days Go on; what do you have to loose...? If I'm right, then you wont have to worry about ghosts for the rest of your life. If I'm wrong, you can make a video and post it on YouTube and become very famous...