What’s That Noise Coming from My Boiler?

Your boiler should be relatively quiet while it’s running, but it can start to make some strange sounds as it ages and different components of the system get dirty or start to fail. All of the strange sounds are cause for concern and should not be ignored.

If you’re asking yourself, “What do the noises my boiler is making mean?” and “How should they be addressed?” this post will cover everything you need to know.

Where is the noise coming from?

The first thing you need to determine is where the sound is coming from. If the sounds are infrequent and coming from the pipes, this could just be a sign that the pipes are changing temperature. This is normal and doesn’t mean your boiler is failing—but if the sounds are coming from deeper within the system, you’ll need to do a little bit of investigative work.

What do the noises my boiler is making mean?

All of the different noises coming from your boiler have a different meaning. Here are a few of the most common sounds and their causes:

• Rattling: A rattling or vibrating noise could mean that there are loose brackets somewhere in the boiler. If you’re a DIYer, you can tighten these brackets yourself with a simple wrench. If the noises persist, call a professional to perform a more in-depth inspection.
• Banging: A loud banging could be the result of buildup inside the heat exchanger or a faulty thermostat. Buildup can be cleared out by hiring a professional to perform a power flush. By eliminating the buildup, power flushes stop these noises and increase heating efficiency. If there’s no buildup, you may need to replace your thermostat.
• Gurgling: Trapped air, low water pressure or a frozen condensate pipe can all result in your boiler making gurgling noises. While a faint gurgling isn’t uncommon, something’s wrong if the noise gets louder or is constant. Your pro can bleed the system to release trapped air or increase the water pressure. You can thaw a frozen condensate pipe yourself using warm water.
• Whistling: A slight whistle coming from a boiler is commonly known as kettling, as it sounds like a tea kettle. The most common cause of kettling is limescale accumulation inside the heat exchanger. This limescale is a problem, as it reduces your unit’s efficiency and can shorten its lifespan. A power flush is the best remedy to eliminate limescale.

What’s the best way to prevent boiler issues?

Thankfully, you can avoid a myriad of boiler problems and never have to ask yourself, “Why is my boiler making noises?” by hiring a professional to inspect and tune up your unit each year. Professional maintenance includes a thorough cleaning, part replacement and a test to ensure the unit is running as quietly and efficiently as possible.

If you’re suffering from a malfunctioning boiler or need to schedule preventative maintenance, call our professionals at BLM Refrigeration Heating & Air Conditioning. We’ll send someone out right away to inspect your boiler.

Categorised in: Heating Service

This post was written by Writer