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Cold or banging radiators: steam and hot water boilers explained
Many Chicago two-flats and older buildings heat with a boiler. The fix for a bad radiator depends on whether you have steam or hot water.
Steam systems
- Banging usually means water is trapped in a pipe or a radiator isn't pitched back toward its supply. Pipes should slope so condensate drains back.
- Radiators that stay cold often have a stuck or failed air vent, so steam can't push the air out.
- Steam radiator valves should be fully open or fully closed, never partly.
- The boiler's water level matters. Low water trips the low-water cutoff.
Hot water systems
- Trapped air makes radiators gurgle and stay cool at the top. Bleeding the radiator releases it.
- Low system pressure can mean a leak. Cold pressure is typically around 12 to 15 psi, but check your boiler's label.
- A failed circulator pump or stuck zone valve leaves some zones cold.
When to call
Call if radiators are cold on several floors, the boiler shuts off by itself, you see water around it or you hear banging that doesn't stop. An annual boiler tune-up checks the cutoff, relief valve, expansion tank and burner before winter.
Need a hand? See our maintenance plans, grab a coupon, or call 773-644-8227.
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