Steam radiator vents "sizzle"

Dec 06, 2006 1 Replies

Quick question: the temp here in CMass has really dropped the last few days and our steam radiators are obviously working harder and they are making an odd sound. When the boiler cycles off and the pressure drops, it sounds like there is water trapped in the vents and as air is pulled back into the radiators they make a sizzling sound. This only seems to happen in the mornings when the thermostat jumps up 6 degrees. Is this because our system is running too high pressure? I was wondering if it might also be due to an overfilled boiler. Is there an easy way to dry the valves out? Any help or comments would be appreciated. Thanks.



Dewey



When the boiler turns off and the steam starts to cool, it condensates, or turns to water, and through the force of gravity goes back down to the boiler. Naturally, it will also pull the air into the vent. Probably you are hearing the little amount of condensate bubbling inside the vent. It's normal.

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