I have baseboard heating. It sounds like there is air in the pipes. How do I get it out?

Question

The pipes are starting to rattle - and they are starting to sound like bubbling water.

Do I need to drain the pipes?

If so, how do I refill them?

Thanks!

Answer 1

If your furnace has a regulator connected to the water line that automatically re-fills the system, just locate the bleeder valve(s); (they are usually at the highest point in the system. there may be several. Sometimes they open with a screwdriver, sometimes you need a small "key" with a square hole (which you can get at any hardware store). Have a container ready to catch any liquid and crack open the bleeder valve, you should hear air hissing out, you will probably get some muddy-looking water as well, so make certian the container is under the outlet. Once the bleeder valve is squirting a steady stream of water, close it. If there are more than one, do all of them, because all the air might not have collected in one place. If you don't hear any air hissing out the automatic re-fill regulator may be clogged with minerals or there may be a manual valve in series with the regulator that might have been shut off. If the regulator seems clogged (the lines will not re-fill with bleeder valves open) see if there is a small lever on the top, when you lift the lever you manually over ride the regulator and let water in, (don't leave it up!) you don't want to over pressureize. Most systems seem to run at about 12 -15 lb/in^2.

Answer 2

baseboard usually have vents a key fits in so you can open up and vent air to water run then close found at the ends of line. you can purchase air vent cans that work automatic to keep venting ask for same in lowes or home depot. the heat can not be on in a boiler that is working. you need help with that if the water in the baseboard drains with the boiler water then when filling you will get a lot of air to vent. if a boiler is hot and you run cold water into it it will crack. get some help some one to look at the system.