As winter approaches, you need to be able to trust your boiler to provide heat. Are those strange noises it’s making a cause for concern, or could they be normal sounds that you’re just hearing for the first time? Here’s what you need to know about those clunks, gurgles, and bangs and when to seek professional boiler services.
Boiler Noises You Should Pay Attention To
Here are three dreaded sounds that can indicate a serious boiler issue:
1. Gurgling
If your boiler sounds like it’s gurgling or sputtering, it’s likely because there’s air trapped inside the system. In this case, the solution is to bleed the unwanted air from your radiators.
The first step is to turn up your radiators to max heat. If you feel cold spots around the top, this is a good sign that there’s air in the system.
Turn off the heat and wait for the radiators to cool down. Grab a screwdriver or bleed key and turn the bleed valve counterclockwise enough to let out a small amount of water. After releasing a few drops, turn the valve clockwise to close it. Do this for each radiator.
Another possibility is that the gurgling is due to low water pressure. Check the pressure gauge on the boiler’s control panel. If the pressure is below 15 psi, it’s best to reach out to a professional.
If you’re uncomfortable performing these tests, an experienced technician can handle the job with ease.
2. Loud Banging
Does your boiler make a loud banging sound when it starts up? If so, it may be due to delayed ignition.
Delayed ignition happens in boilers with pilot lights. The pilot light ignites the gas in the combustion chamber too long after it’s supposed to, which causes a small explosion. Over time, this can crack the heat exchanger and even lead to carbon monoxide leaks in your home. Call a professional to get this problem fixed as soon as you can!
If the banging and popping continue during operation, the issue is known as “kettling.” This happens when the heat exchanger gets too hot and creates steam bubbles, which make a constant popping sound.
The underlying cause of kettling could be limescale deposits that slow the heating of the water, causing burners to heat longer. It could also be due to low water pressure, a bad thermostat, or even the water temperature being set too high. Either way, this job calls for professional repairs.
3. Humming
Boiler problems like humming or vibrating can be due to loose parts or a faulty circulating pump, which pushes water through the system to the individual radiators. When it runs too fast, it can begin to hum. If the circulating pump feels hot or is leaking, it may be in need of repair or replacement.
It’s crucial to deal with this issue right away, as loose parts can become completely detached over time.
When You Have Boiler Issues, Contact Endless Energy
No matter what sort of sounds your boiler is making, expert boiler repair from Endless Energy can shut it up. Contact our team today to get your boiler working like new again!
