Why radiators bang

Gurgling usually indicates a build-up of air inside your pipes, so releasing it will resolve the issue. Bleeding your radiators is an essential maintenance skill that every homeowner should learn. Be aware, however, that in rare cases gurgling can be caused by water flowing over an irregular or warped surface inside the pipes. In such a case, you can live with the quirky noise or undertake a replacement.

If water is escaping from your radiator, the issue could be as simple as condensation or as complex as a system-wide hardware problem.

Noises and leaks coming from radiators should be considered symptoms — important indicators of an underlying problem. It never pays to ignore them. Taking care of the problem early could save you bigger headaches by preventing property damage, intensive repairs, and time spent without heat.

Older homes and homes located in colder climates often contain boilers and furnaces that distribute heat via water or steam. These are known as hydronic systems, and they work by heating water or air and pumping it through the house with a series of pipes or heat exchangers. These radiant heating sources are more efficient and better able to keep floors warm during the winter months.

While banging pipes in the heating system are the loudest signs of trouble in your boiler, clicking and clanging are also common indicators that something's wrong. There are several reasons for all the racket:. This may seem counterintuitive. But in order for a radiator to work efficiently, it actually needs to be sloped slightly downward toward the condensate return line.

You can remedy this yourself by adding a couple of shims under the lower end of the radiator. You don't need many, just enough to ensure that the condensate drains properly. Place a level on the top of the radiator to gauge the problem, and then insert enough shims to slightly raise the end that is opposite the steam pipe.

Sometimes, you'll find that your pipes are hanging from the ceiling unsupported. The pipes may be tightly fitted wherever they're connected, but the main length of the pipe is subject to bumps and jolts as the water runs through it. This problem can be corrected by installing hangers or insulated clips from the ceiling at regular intervals to provide a little extra support. The recommended space between hangers depends upon the type of pipe and heat source. Steel pipes require a maximum of 7 to 8 feet between hangers for both water and steam.

Standard copper pipes carrying water will need a maximum of 5 feet of space between hangers for quieter distribution. You can purchase hangers and clips at most hardware or home supply stores. Make sure to purchase clips or hangers that are wide enough to accommodate the width of the pipe and can be secured to the ceiling surface without fitting too tight or too loose. Place each clip around the pipe and screw it to the ceiling or joist at appropriate intervals.

When your water pressure is high, water can be forced through the pipes too hard and fast. This can lead to a noisy heating system. For your boiler to operate properly, your temperature gauge should read about 12 PSI when the water is cold and no higher than 30 PSI when it's hot.

Anything higher will trigger the pressure relief valve and force it to open. When water is heated, it expands. However, expansion in a limited space like a pipe or radiator sometimes leads to a condition known as "air-bound" pipes. This can cause air bubbles to become trapped, which leads to a clanking or hammering noise in your pipes.

Then, your repair professional can adjust the water temperature to prevent a recurrence. This is the opposite of having too much air in your pipes. The problem is common with steam-powered heating and radiator systems, and it can sound like a bull is running through your walls and pipes. However, the solution is simple for an HVAC technician. Water can also become trapped inside the pipes if the water is heated too fast. This causes a drastic increase in pressure and a banging noise in the heating system.

Other causes include limescale buildup and broken water pumps. When that happens, it creates a vacuum inside the radiator. Water is pulled into the empty space and crashes loudly against the inner walls of the radiator. Bonfe notes you may be able to stop the racket by adjusting the pitch of the radiator to angle back toward the boiler.

There are other scenarios that SciShow notes in the video above as well. None of them are ghosts, but you never know. Maybe it's just a disgruntled ghost that wants to bug the hell out of you. Skip to main content News. Dustin Nelson is a News Writer with Thrillist.