Most homes, old and new alike, are prone to making a range of noises. While some of these, even in the plumbing system, can be totally normal, others can be an indicator that something isn’t quite working properly. A boiler can also make a range of different sounds, one of the most common of which is a kind of gurgling noise.
Let’s take a closer look at what those boiler sounds could mean, and whether or not you should be concerned about it.
Low pressure
A common cause of gurgling noises in boilers is low water pressure. Luckily, in most cases boiler pressure issues are relatively easy to both identify and then sort out.
There should be a pressure gauge on the boiler, and if it reads outside of the green range (usually between 1 – 1.5 bar, but check the manual) it could mean there’s a pressure issue.
You can first try to repressurise the boiler yourself, but if that doesn’t work, you may need to get it checked out professionally. Call a boiler technician over from a provider like Able Plumbers, and they’ll be able to tell you what’s wrong.
Air in your radiators
In many cases, gurgling noises in your heating system will be a result of air bubbles. This is often what happens in radiators, and not only will it cause an annoying noise, but it can also have a negative effect on your radiator’s ability to function properly.
Luckily, this is one of the easiest heating-related issues to sort out. You simply need to place a towel or small bucket under the valves at the end of the radiator, slowly undo the valve until you hear air hissing out, and then close it once the air stops and water starts to seep through.
Limescale buildup
If limescale is able to build up in your boiler to high enough concentrations, then you may very well hear some kinds of noises. While it could be a gurgling sound, it’s more likely to show itself through kettling – the high-pitched whistle that sounds like it’s coming from a kettle.
Depending on where the limescale appears, different approaches will be required. You may need to clean the heat exchange, or even replace it if it’s old enough. You can also use a descaling solution, to dissolve the limescale. In most cases, it will be worth leaving this to a professional to sort it out.
Circulatory pump issues
If there’s an issue with the boiler’s circulatory pump – such as an airlock – it could start to make strange noises. You’ll be pleased to hear that getting airlocks out of the boiler pump is normally an easy task. Just turn the bleed screw a little to release the air, and then close it the second a bit of water starts to come out.
Sorting out boiler noises generally isn’t too difficult. No matter the issue, the sooner you get it dealt with, the higher the chances you’ll be able to avoid a serious problem further down the line.
For similar posts from me, see my Interiors Category.
