Weird question about living above a boiler.....

[browning28]

Hi....probably not a question yer used to but i though you all could answer this for me. I just moved into an apartment that was built in 1910. I live directly above the boiler and believe me, you can feel it. The heat and the noises n bumps. Well, appearantly it was replaced about 3-4 years ago. I was just wondering what the chances are of a boiler becoming a danger to those living above it? As in, is there any chance it could explode or anything like that? I have a newborn on the way and of course i want nothing to happen to her. The boiler went crazy the other night and was banging so hard that it woke us up banging on the floor and we immediately ran outside thinking it was about to boom. The resident maintenance said that it's normal for it to do that when it's warmer during the day and alot colder at night. Said it was the boiler forcing the water out or something like that....this all sound right? Just wondering if there's any danger....Thanks for all the help!

 

[boilerbeasty]

The resident maintenance said that it's normal for it to do that when it's warmer during the day and alot colder at night.

Yeah that's exactly how they were designed, they are supposed to keep you up all night with noise and worry.

 

[sterose]

Hi....probably not a question yer used to but i though you all could answer this for me. I just moved into an apartment that was built in 1910. I live directly above the boiler and believe me, you can feel it. The heat and the noises n bumps. Well, appearantly it was replaced about 3-4 years ago. I was just wondering what the chances are of a boiler becoming a danger to those living above it? As in, is there any chance it could explode or anything like that? I have a newborn on the way and of course i want nothing to happen to her. The boiler went crazy the other night and was banging so hard that it woke us up banging on the floor and we immediately ran outside thinking it was about to boom. The resident maintenance said that it's normal for it to do that when it's warmer during the day and alot colder at night. Said it was the boiler forcing the water out or something like that....this all sound right? Just wondering if there's any danger....Thanks for all the help!

Clearly there is a problem, and I suggest you make him fix it.
I see your flag is a US one, so perhaps threatening to enforce with legal action might persuade him.

 

[browning28]

I'll definately have a talk with the manager.......But, is living above the boiler anything i should be concerned about? If something were to happen with the presure or anything like that am i at risk or will it fail at another point first before it were to put my family at risk? I appreciate the help...thanks again

 

[sterose]

I'll definately have a talk with the manager.......But, is living above the boiler anything i should be concerned about? If something were to happen with the presure or anything like that am i at risk or will it fail at another point first before it were to put my family at risk? I appreciate the help...thanks again

The worst that could happen is fire, or explosion if the boiler is gas.
However, this is very unlikely, and not really a cause for concern; after all, everyone has a boiler in their house.

But I would definately insist that the manager gets the boiler checked out, and you either talk to the engineer yourself reagrding the problem, or you ask to see a certificate afterwards that says the boiler is safe. And consider what your floor is made of; if it's made of wood it is worth having fire proofing in the boiler room to protect you in case of fire. But if the floor is concrete, I wouldn't worry.

 

[oilman]

....after all, everyone has a boiler in their house.

I don't, nor is there one within the boundry of the property.

 

[sterose]

....after all, everyone has a boiler in their house.

I don't, nor is there one within the boundry of the property.

OK, alright, oilman.

You may not but most people do.

 

[andyman6]

I dont eitha all electric unfortunatley

 

[AdamW]

Well, I don't know anything about the fire/explosion risk (I thought all buildings in the USA had to be cleared by the Fire Department anyway?) but with all that heat eminating from the floor it might be bad for your joints. I know some say that heated floors are bad for joints so this could be the mutha of all that!

When I was a student I lived in the basement of a victorian hall of residence, right next to the boiler room. I never got woken up by banging noises. In fact I don't think I ever heard anything more than a slight woosh or buzz when it started (not unlike a domestic combi boiler).

If the maintenance guy and building manager won't acknowledge any problem perhaps it is worth speaking to the buildings or fire departments, see if you can book a free inspection?