Clanking Pipes and Hissing Radiators: Tenant Rights for Heating Noise

Understanding 'Steam Hammer'

That loud banging noise is called "steam hammer" or "water hammer." It happens when steam meets condensed water in the pipes, creating a shockwave. It is not a normal function of a healthy system; it is a sign of a maintenance issue.

Causes include pipes pitched at the wrong angle, dirty boiler water, or faulty air valves. Because it indicates a malfunction, it is a repair issue, not just an annoyance.

Landlord Responsibility

Under the "Warranty of Habitability," landlords must provide heat. Under the "Covenant of Quiet Enjoyment," they must provide a livable environment. Excessive, sleep-depriving noise from the building's own mechanical systems violates this covenant.

You have the right to request repairs. A radiator that bangs loudly all night is effectively broken, even if it still produces heat.

How to Request a Fix

1. Record It: Record a video of the radiator while it is banging to prove the volume and duration.
2. Log It: Note exactly when the heat turns on and when the banging starts.
3. Submit a Maintenance Request: Don't just complain about "noise." Report it as a mechanical defect: "The heating system has severe water hammer/trapped condensate causing excessive noise." This sounds more technical and urgent.

The Takeaway

Don't suffer in noisy warmth. A banging radiator is a cry for help from your plumbing. By framing it as a maintenance failure rather than just a nuisance, you are more likely to get the landlord to call a plumber.