Why do steam radiators bang? Steam radiator banging, or steam pipe banging, is the result of steam colliding with condensate. Steamfitters know this and so design their systems so this cannot occur. They make sure the pipes they fit have enough capacity for the condensate and steam to peacefully coexist. And that they have sufficient pitch to allow the condensate to return to the boiler without standing around and causing a racket. They also make sure they fit the steam piping in such a way that all the steam routes are one-way, -with no potential for a steam collision. When your steam system was first installed, it wasn’t cheap. And folks didn’t pay all that, only to live with banging. Know that your steam system was originally perfectly quiet. Just as it should be.
So what happened? Mostly ignorance and neglect. The most common cause is plumbers and other contractors working on steam systems who are not steamfitters. Did your home undergo a remodeling that altered steam pipes? That’s #1 on the list, including basement finishing. #2 is an poorly installed steam boiler. Lower on the list, but not uncommon, are old pipes that have sagged. Or the settling of a foundation that alters the original pipe pitch. Whatever it is, our trained eyes will find it. And then, our trained hands will fix it. Nice and quiet. No more radiator noise. That’s better isn’t it?