We rescently had a new Burnham Boiler installed for a steam heat sysem. Since the installation we have had more banging pipes than we ever had with the old system. A relief valve located after the last radiator on the return pipe was pushing out water and our service man replaced the valve. We still have the banging pipes. What I was wondering is whether the return pipe to the boiler should be higher than the boiler water level?

George Ludwig, March 2006

Banging in heating pipes usually indicates air locks in the system. If you connect a hose pipe to the drain cock on your system. Giving it a blast of water may solve your problem.
When you bleed your radiators, do it when the system is switched off and any air has risen and settled to the top of your radiators.

Keith Howard, March 2006