As temperatures get ready to drop across the country, it’s becoming more important to ensure your boiler is in the best shape it can be.
Boilers are responsible for keeping many homes warm during the winter months and help ensure that you have access to warm water whenever you need it. Therefore, your winter can quickly become very uncomfortable if your boiler suddenly gives up the ghost and stops working.
In more severe cases, not having access to an adequately warm home can also pose a health risk. The NHS warns that cold weather can be harmful to those aged 65 or over as it weakens the immune system while lower body temperature increases the risk of high blood pressure, strokes, and heart attacks.
One way you can ensure your boiler is working as it should is by keeping an ear out for any suspicious or unwanted noises. Experts at BOXT advise that certain noises can often be associated with a particular boiler issue.
Andy Kerr, founder and CEO at BOXT, comments: “If you’ve noticed your boiler making a noise that varies from how it usually sounds, it’s best to act fast to prevent further damage. A noisy boiler isn’t always a cause for concern, but there are certain noises to look out for, and each comes with its reasons and remedies.”
Whistling
Whistling sounds akin to a kettle boiling, hissing or high-pitched noises could indicate a problem known as kettling. This occurs when the water flow through the boiler slows down, causing the water to overheat and reach boiling point, resulting in a kettling noise.
Often, this can be due to circulatory issues which means the water isn’t being pumped or moving around the system effectively. This could suggest a faulty pump or central heating system issues.
Kettling is a serious issue that requires attention from a Gas Safe engineer. Common causes include limescale build-up, a leaking boiler or system with an incorrect water amount, a faulty thermostat causing the boiler to overheat, or a faulty pump.
Knocking
If you’re hearing a clicking or tapping noise, it could mean your boiler is struggling to fire up. One potential cause for this is ignition failure.
In this case, it’s not something you should attempt to resolve yourself. Instead, call a Gas Safe engineer as it could be related to the gas supply to your property.
Gurgling
Gurgling, dripping, sounds like running water or bubbling noises are usually caused by trapped air in your radiator. Sometimes, the gurgling sound coming from your boiler is just the hot water moving, so there’s no reason to worry.
However, if the sound is persistent and happens more frequently, it’s best to take a quick look at the following. Bleed the radiator: The gurgling sound could be originating from a boiler-related appliance, such as a radiator.
After bleeding the radiator, inspect the boiler pressure and top it up if necessary. A decrease in boiler pressure can lead to additional problems. If the noises persist, the problem lies elsewhere.
Check the water pressure: Low water pressure might be the source of the gurgling noise. Examine the pressure gauge in your boiler cupboard; if the dial is in the red zone, the pressure is too low, and your boiler needs repressurising.
Check for a frozen condensate pipe: This often happens during extremely cold weather when outdoor pipes can freeze. Gently defrost the pipe with warm water to fix this.
If the problem continues, there may be another issue with the boiler. Consult a Gas Safe registered engineer who can assist in resolving the situation.
Banging
A loud banging noise can result from limescale accumulation inside your heat exchanger, a faulty boiler thermostat, or something as simple as an incorrectly set thermostat.
You may want to contact a heating engineer who can check the temperatures of your flow and return pipes for overheating, and also verify that your boiler thermostat is set to the correct temperature. If neither of the above are causing the problem, they may need to access the pipework under your flooring to ensure it is clipped and supported correctly.
A Gas Safe registered engineer can identify if the issue stems from your system circulation heat exchanger. In such cases, a central heating system flush may be required to rectify the problem caused by a buildup of magnetite, debris or dirt.
Buzzing
Buzzing sounds from your boiler can be alarming and it’s advisable to seek professional help. Various issues could lead to a buzzing sound, ranging from failing electrical components to a sticking pump.
If your boiler is making a buzzing or moaning sound, it’s essentially crying out for help. It indicates an immediate need for repair, which should be carried out by a professional.
Whooshing noises are particularly common in combi boilers. These sounds usually indicate a blocked circulation pump or trapped air in your system.
For such noises, it’s best to consult an engineer who can check for any blockages or trapped air and diagnose the problem.
Alarm
If there’s an alarm sound emanating from your boiler, it’s typically a sign that something is amiss.
Common causes include low water pressure, a faulty thermostat and blockages. You can troubleshoot your boiler by checking the water pressure and the thermostat.
If these are functioning properly and the beeping persists, it’s time to contact a Gas Safe registered engineer.
Andy continues: “Remember, never attempt to fix anything yourself if you are unsure. You should always call a professional if you’re in any doubt about the noises coming from your boiler. Typically, the problems causing your boiler to make noise can be fixed quickly.
“But if your boiler is old and ready to be replaced, there’s a chance that the problem might be something a little more severe and, in these instances, it’s important to be aware that it might be time for a new boiler.”