Steam Pipe Noise

Shut off the steam system at the main boiler, and allow it to cool down for at least one hour before attempting to perform any repair. The pipes and radiators are extremely hot and can cause burns.

Locate the radiator along one wall in one of the rooms of the house. Place a carpenter’s level on top of the radiator and ensure it slopes 1/4 inch toward the pipe that comes out of the wall. If no slope exists, insert a wooden shim under the end furthest from the pipe to create the slope and stop the noise. Repeat the process in all remaining radiators in the home.

Look at the side of each radiator for a knob that regulates the amount of steam supplied to it. Identify the arrows on the knob, and turn the knob to open it fully. Pipe noise is often caused by inlet valves that are not fully open.

Replace the steam valve if the noise is a high-pitched whistle. Locate the radiator's steam valve, which is at the opposite end from the steam pipe. Grasp it and turn it counterclockwise until it detaches. Wrap the bottom threaded portion of a new valve with teflon tape, and screw it clockwise onto the valve stem until it is positioned upright.

Turn the main steam system back on to ensure the noises have ceased.