With the onset of chilly winter weather, boilers across the UK are cranking up to combat the cold.
You may notice unfamiliar sounds emanating from your boiler as it gets back into business. Boilers naturally make some noise during operation, but interpreting these sounds can be puzzling. From unsettling bangs and whistles to a persistent gurgle, acting on early warnings signs could save you from hefty repair bills down the line.
British Gas service and repair engineer Joanna Flowers has shared her expertise to help homeowners understand what issues the noises might indicate, some easy fixes, and when it’s time to seek professional help, reports the Express.
First off, she advises: “While it can be a little worrying to hear your boiler making a noise, don’t panic.”
“Boilers make sounds, even when they’re operating normally. If you’re hearing a specific sound – banging, vibrating, whistling or any other noise this could tell you what the issue is.”
Remember, boilers have safety mechanisms that shut themselves off before things become dangerous. In that case, Joanna says you’ll definitely need a professional to get everything running again.
What should I do if my boiler is noisy?
Hearing strange noises from your boiler can be disconcerting, but try to remain calm. Boilers typically produce sounds while active.
If a particular noise whether it’s banging, vibrating, whistling, or something else is coming from your boiler, it might be hinting at an internal issue.
Joanna advised taking caution when it comes to unusual boiler noises. If you’re not sure what is the problem, she always recommends always calling out a gas safe engineer.
“If you’re hearing something out of the blue or it gets extremely loud, then you’ll want to check that everything’s working properly. So, it’s a good idea to book either one-off boiler repairs or service and maintenance from a British Gas engineer.”
“It’s also important to remember that boilers will have automatic switches and safety mechanisms that turn the boiler off before it becomes dangerous. If this happens, get in a professional engineer to safely get your boiler working again.”
A guide to boiler noises and what they mean
Vibrating sounds
A vibrating noise might be resolved by simply tightening any loose brackets securing your boiler. But if the vibration persists, it’s time to call an engineer to ensure there’s no danger and fix any issues.
Gurgling sounds
The occasional gurgle from your boiler is usually not a concern. However, a louder gurgle may indicate trapped air in the system, prompting a check of your radiators.
Water and liquid sounds
It’s normal to hear water and liquid sounds from your boiler as it circulates water through your home’s pipes.
Banging sounds
No one wants to hear a loud bang from an appliance, especially not a boiler. This could be due to a problem with the heat exchanger, some sludge inside the boiler, or perhaps a malfunctioning thermostat.
It might also be a result of overheating, which can cause the pipes to make a noise when you turn on the hot water.
Airplane noises
If your boiler is making a sound similar to an airplane taking off, there could be several causes. However, the most common reason is usually a faulty pump.
Loud noises
If you’re hearing unexpected or extremely loud sounds, it might be time to double-check that everything’s functioning properly.
Remember, boilers are equipped with automatic switches and safety mechanisms that shut the boiler down before it becomes dangerous. If this happens, it’s crucial to call in a professional engineer to safely get your boiler back up and running.
