There are several issues that may contribute to your boiler making noise. Some sounds, like the boiler installation igniting or the fan running on the boiler, are perfectly normal. However other noises like kettling and whistling can be your boiler showing signs of a potential breakdown looming.
Boiler Kettling
Your boiler whistling or banging usually indicates your boiler is kettling. This is where the water inside the boiler has reached boiling point. This can increase pressure and potentially generate steam along with increased pressure leading to the Boiler Overheating.
Limescale Build Up: Especially in hard water areas, limescale can build up in pipes. This limescale can settle in the boilers heat exchanger causing poor circulation when the boilers pump kicks in.
Faulty Thermostat: If your smart thermostat gives you an inadequate reading, this can then lead to the boiler excessively heating.
Damaged Pump: If your boiler pump is malfunctioning, this can then lead to the water not circulating efficiently and the boiler will overheat. If you think that your boiler is showing signs of kettling, it is important to contact a fully Gas Safe registered heating engineer to inspect the system and test the water quality that is inside your central heating system for any sludge or magnetite build up.
Gurgling Noises
If you hear gurgling in your central heating system this typically indicates some type of trapped air. You should address this promptly. You can bleed the radiators using a radiator key. How To Bleed A Radiator. When topping up the pressure in your central heating system, make sure to turn the heating off whilst you open the filling link to allow more pressure into the system.
Drone Noises
A drone like noise can signal a faulty boiler pump, but it may stem from other causes as well. If
you hear a boiler drone noise, contact a Gas Safe registered heating engineer to investigate to provide boiler repairs and a replacement boiler pump where necessary.
Humming Noises
Boiler humming noises can be signs of high mains water pressure which can affect the boiler valves or water circulation. You could also get your boiler making noise from the fan bearings, or the pump. Our fully Gas Safe registered heating engineers can attend to check what is the issue with your boiler and the cause of any humming noises.
Whooshing Noises
Generally there can be two common causes for whooshing noises. These are blockages in the air intake pipe or in the filter.
Air Intake Pipe Blockages: If this is blocked, outside airflow is restricted which can cause the whooshing sound.
Air Filter Blockages: Dust and debris can obstruct the air filter in the boiler installation. This can also lead to the noises. By calling a Gas Safe registered heating engineer we can inspect the issue to ensure your safety and boiler efficiency is maintained.
Is a Noisy Boiler Dangerous?
While a noisy boiler can be worrying, it is generally not immediately dangerous due to boilers having safety features built into them to shut the boiler down in any unsafe situations. However, it is very important to arrange for a fully Gas Safe registered heating engineer to attend if there are signs your boiler noises are starting to worsen.
Summary
If your boiler making a noise is a concern, here is a roundup of the likely issues and things to look out for:
Boiler Kettling: Any excessive heat caused or steam, pressure build up.
