Central heating

[Loosehead]

Is there any way I can stop my central heating making banging noises when it starts up and shuts down?

[stanleyman]

Depends on where the noise is coming from but probably expansion and contraction of pipes if it is a wet system. More info?

[Loosehead]

primarily it is one large radiator and it makes a sound like it's being tapped lightly with a stick, I just can't figure out what's causing it.

[stanleyman]

That is expansion of the radiator or the pipes to it. Try moving it slightly on its bracket to relieve any tight spot.

[Loosehead]

OK thanks Stanleyman, I tried that and it did stop when I pushed or pulled and then held it, so it seems you are correct, I just have to find a position it likes!

[JayTee1975]

Stanleyman can you maybe help me too as since we turned off our water to have a shower fitted the two pipes in our kitchen have constantly vibrated and we have to turn on the cold water to slove it. It is worse when we use the washing machine. Can you help???

[moomoojaj]

My bedroom radiator wakes me up at 6.30 in the morning with the same noise. I lie there thinking that the room will be warm when I get up. what a wonderfull feeling

[stanleyman]

Loosehead, check to see if you have little plastic inserts in the support brackets where the radiator sits in them. A big radiator will move slightly in them when heating/cooling and they should help it move quietly. Replacing some of the copper pipe to the rad with plastic will negate any expansion in the pipe.

Jaytee, I recently answered a similar question. This is water hammer, a hydraulic shockwave usually caused by loose copper pipes moving when a tap or valve is turned off quickly. You can fit a water shock absorber or accummulator in the cold supply to stop it or replace some of the copper pipe with plastic or secure any loose pipes.

[Loosehead]

Ok Stan, I'll investigate, thanks