Why is my boiler making strange noises?

Boilers have their own way of telling you when they need servicing or fixing. Whether yours is gurgling, tapping or vibrating – or a mixture or a few – it’s a good idea to refer to our guide below. Contact one of our specialists on 01202 355344 to arrange a consultation.

Vibrating noises

If your boiler is vibrating, the brackets might need tightening, or some compartments might be open. You can tighten brackets yourself with a screwdriver and close any open compartments, but if the entire unit is vibrating, it may well require an engineer to come out and secure your boiler: in some cases, the circulating pump may need adjusting.

Banging noises

Clunking or banging is referred to as “kettling”. This is caused when limescale builds up and blocks the flow of water. Modern boilers should be equipped to deal with this – so don’t worry, your boiler shouldn’t explode – but still, regular maintenance can significantly improve the efficiency of your boiler.

Whistling noises

Kettling can also cause your boiler to make a whistling sound, but your boiler can also whistle when it has trapped air. This repair is fairly simple and will merely involve releasing the trapped air from the boiler. An engineer can identify what caused the problem and make the necessary repairs to the boiler.

Gurgling noises

If you have a blockage or some kind of sediment at the bottom of the boiler, it may make a gurgling sound. Gurgling also occurs when pipes freeze and need to be thawed. This can be done yourself, but only if the pipe is accessible. It’s best to ask an expert on the off-chance that it could be a complicated job.

Tapping noises

Tapping can occur when a component has been poorly fitted and come loose. This could also be down to sediment in the boiler which will require an expert to come and “powerflush” the system. Sometimes it can be hard to tell between softer tapping noises and harder banging sounds, so don’t be surprised if you discover an unforeseen problem with your boilers.

Dripping noises

Dripping sounds can indicate a leak. This is often found in older boilers when parts have worn down, but it’s also common when the pressure has been cranked too high. An engineer can identify the cause of the leak and sort it out for you, whilst ensuring that it doesn’t happen again.