Radiator tips

Q: I recently moved to the Northeast and purchased a converted loft that is heated by an old radiator system. While it seems to give off plenty of heat, the radiator makes all sorts of funky noises from time to time. Can I fix this problem without having to call in a repair person? — Charles M., Boston

A: Keeping an old steam radiator system in top shape is practically an art form — one that in many areas of the country is slowly becoming a lost art as the number of experienced steam-heat repair professionals diminish. Luckily, you’re in an area where hot-water and steam heating systems are still fairly common, and a good number of pros are available to fix problems that arise.

The problem of noises — banging noises, mostly — coming from a radiator is one that can likely be resolved on your own. Simply adjusting the height of the unit at one end may be all that is needed.

Check the support legs at the bottom of the radiator. If there are bolts in the legs that can be turned to adjust their height, great. If not, you’ll need shims (basically, thin pieces of wood or metal) to make this adjustment. Next, check the type of pipe system: a one-pipe radiator has a single pipe (usually located near the bottom) for both the steam and condensate to enter and exit; a two-pipe system has a pipe near the top (for steam to enter) and a pipe near the bottom (for condensate to drain).

What’s the difference? If your radiator is a one-pipe system, you need to tilt it slightly to allow condensed water to drain out through the pipe. If it’s a two-pipe system, water must drain into a special trap that allows it to cool down before being drained. So, locate where the condensate actually drains before shimming the unit.

The tilt itself should be very slight. A good rule of thumb is that radiators should pitch about 1 inch every 10 feet toward the trap or pipe. Your radiator is probably not 10 feet long, so measure its length and adjust accordingly (i.e., a 3-foot-long radiator warrants about a 1/3 -inch pitch).

Open the radiator’s steam valve fully (place a bucket or towels beneath it and be careful — its hot), then tilt the radiator up toward the trap or pipe by either turning the height adjustment bolts on the legs or inserting shims of appropriate width underneath the legs. Close the steam valve.

If the height adjustment doesn’t resolve the noise issue, don’t lose heart. Old systems often develop a lot of problems due to excess silt and corrosion. The trap or pipe could be clogged; the supply pipe’s valve could be partially closed, blocked or deteriorating; the air vent may be installed incorrectly. In these cases, a professional should come in and inspect the building’s entire system, in addition to your radiator.

HOME TIP: To improve the efficiency of your steam- or water-based heating unit, paint the wall behind it a dark, flat-finish color or tape heavy-gauge aluminum foil (reflective side out) to the wall behind the radiator.