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Hot Topics | Understanding The Noises Your Boiler Heat System Makes

6 June 2015

Abbie Wade

The boiler heat system has been used for home heating and hot water for a long time, because it boasts an efficient design that is fairly simple to maintain. However efficient and long-living the boiler heat system may be, it is not infinite, and does see its fair share of problems on occasion. The thing about the boiler is, when something goes wrong, this usually quiet unit can make a lot of racket. Your key as a homeowner to understanding what could be going wrong is to learn the language that the boiler system speaks so you can better handle heating issues.

High-Pitched Squeals, Squeaks, or Whistles

The boiler heat system uses pressure to push the heated water through the lines and heat through your home. There are inlet and outlet valves that control this pressure, but if there is something that is allowing air pressure to escape, it can cause some pretty high-pitched sounds. Check for air leaks at the valves and call a contractor if they need to be replaced.

Clanking and Banging

The most disarming sound you can hear from a pressurized boiler system is the loud sound of clanks and bangs. These noises will be loud enough that the sound will possibly radiate throughout your home, in most cases. This type of noise usually means that one of the heating elements inside of the tank has corroded enough that pieces of the metal are free roaming inside and may be banging against the inner walls. Get in touch with a professional immediately to have these elements replaced and the corroded materials removed.

Gurgling and Bubbling

It is easy to assume that a unit filled with hot water would gurgle and bubble on occasion, but the air-tight design of the boiler makes it very difficult for air to get trapped inside of the tank. If you hear a lot of gurgling, it is a good indicator that you have a leak somewhere in the tank that is allowing air to be trapped inside. If you cannot find the source of the problem, make sure you contact heating services, as this could lead to major problems down the road.

When you start to understand a little bit about what your boiler is trying to say when it is making noises, it will be easier for you to recognize when there are issues that need to be addressed. Talk to a heating contractor about any sounds that you do not understand. For more information, contact a company like Enright and Sons.

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