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A noisy baseboard heater can be frustrating, especially if it’s disrupting your sleep. Hydronic baseboard heaters, which rely on hot water to warm a room, can make ticking or banging sounds as pipes expand and contract. Fortunately, this common problem typically has a simple solution. In the video above, Ask This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey explains how to figure out what’s causing the noise and what you can do to fix it.
Finding the Source of Baseboard Heater Noise
Before attempting any repairs, pinpoint the exact source of the noise. This involves careful observation, and you might need to remove the baseboard covers to get a closer look.
Listen Carefully
First, turn up the thermostat and listen closely to the heating system as it activates. Pay attention to the type of noise you hear:
- Banging or clanging may suggest loose pipes or more severe issues.
- Gurgling or bubbling could mean air in the system.
- Ticking or tapping often happens when pipes expand against nearby surfaces.
Inspect the Baseboard Unit
Remove the baseboard covers to examine the piping. Look for:
- Areas where pipes are in close contact with walls, floors, or other surfaces
- Signs of rubbing or wear on pipes or surrounding materials
- How the pipes are routed and supported in the unit
Check for Proper Expansion of Space
Pipes need enough room to expand and contract without hitting anything. Look for tight spots, especially around corners. Check where your pipes pass through the walls and see if there’s enough space. Also, check if the pipes are pressing against drywall or other materials.
How To Fix Noisy Baseboard Heaters
Once you know where the noise is coming from, you can fix the problem. Most solutions involve giving pipes more room to expand.
Tools and Materials Needed
Gather the following tools and materials before beginning repairs:
- Acetylene torch
- Flux and solder
- Close quarters tubing cutter
- Copper pipe and fittings
- Pipe insulation (optional)
- Plumbing sandpaper
Step-by-Step Repair Process
Now, you can follow Trethewey’s steps to quiet your noisy baseboard heater:
- Turn off the heating system and close the valves for the affected zone.
- Drain water from the system until the work area is dry.
- Clean the pipe using plumbing sandpaper.
- Use a tubing cutter to remove a small section of pipe (typically 1–2 inches).
- Clean and flux the cut ends of the pipe and a new copper coupling.
- Solder the coupling to reconnect the pipe.
- Allow the repair to cool, then refill and test the system.
Extra Tips for Reducing Noise
If cutting and repositioning your pipes doesn’t fully resolve the issue, try these additional steps:
- Bleed air from the system to help eliminate gurgling noises.
- Install pipe insulation to reduce heat loss and minimize expansion.
- Tighten any loose fasteners or brackets within the baseboard unit.
- Use rubber isolation mounts to separate pipes from the baseboard housing.
Preventing Future Baseboard Heater Noise
Once you’ve fixed your noisy heater, take these steps to keep things quiet in the future:
- Address issues promptly: Don’t ignore minor noises. Ignoring them can make things worse over time.
- Check for proper installation: When installing new baseboard heaters, allow adequate space for pipe expansion.
- Consider system upgrades: Modern, high-efficiency boilers and pumps can reduce overall system stress.
- Regular maintenance: Inspect and clean baseboard units annually to prevent debris buildup.
When To Call a Professional To Fix Your Baseboard Heater
While homeowners can resolve many baseboard heater noise issues, some situations may require professional assistance. We recommend a pro in these scenarios:
- Complex piping configurations
- Concerns about proper soldering technique
- Extensive system-wide problems
- Suspected issues with the boiler or circulator pump
If you’re unsure about any aspect of the repair process or encounter unexpected complications, it’s best to consult a licensed plumbing and heating contractor.
