• Overview

  • Steps:

    1. Raise the temperature on the thermostat to activate the heating boiler. As hot water flows through heating system, listen for creaking, popping sounds.
    2. Inspect the hot-water pipes leading from boiler. Check to be sure there's sufficient expansion space where the pipes pass through holes in walls and ceilings.
    3. Use pliers to remove any metal strap clamps holding the pipes tightly against joists or other hard surfaces.
    4. Replace each metal clamp with a plastic "Mickey" clip. Slip the plastic clip over the pipe and then screw it to the joist.
    5. Now move upstairs and check the vertical sections of hot-water pipes that come up through the floor. Slip a plastic clip around each pipe and then press the clip down into the hole to isolate the pipe from the surrounding wood.

    See products and services from this video
    • 1 to 2 hours
    • $10 to $30, depending on the size and complexity of the heating system
    • Tools
    • Shopping List
    • Difficulty: Easy
      requires no particular skill and very little time

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    Video Directory

    Selected Topic/Section

      Tools List

      Close
      • locking pliers
        Pliers, for removing metal pipe clamps
      • drill
        Drill/driver, used to install plastic pipe clips

      Shopping List

      Close
      1. Plastic 'Mickey' pipe clips, used to isolate hot-water pipes from surrounding surfaces

      2. 1-inch screws, for fastening plastic pipe clips