Unusual Central Heating Noises & What they Can Mean

Everyone’s central heating is guaranteed to make strange noises at some point, this can sometimes seem quite worrying.

However, many noises are simple problems with quick fixes, we’ve put together this simple guide with, six of our most commonly asked questions and what they mean.

Remember, if you are ever unsure, don’t hesitate to call a professional engineer.

Unusual Noise #1: Kettling

The most common and usually the simplest to solve. Kettling is usually caused by a build-up of sludge or limescale within your heating system, if there is a severe build-up you may require a power flushing service to remove the sludge and get your central heating system back in its correct working order.

Unusual Noise #2: Dripping

A dripping noise that stems from your boiler may be caused by a leak within your system. Having a leak within your boiler is often the result of high pressure, or the result of your boiler components wearing down – especially if your boiler is old. Never attempt to fix a leak within your boiler yourself, always call a professional engineer to properly diagnose the problem. It may even be cost-effective to replace an old boiler with a more adequate model.

Unusual Noise #3: Gurgling

You will usually hear a gurgling noise coming from your radiators, this is an easy fix! The gurgling noise is usually caused by an air build up within your radiators, you may also find that part of your radiator is not being heated fully. This is a simple fix and bleeding your radiators will in most cases, solve a gurgling problem.

Unusual Noise #4: Tapping

If you’ve recently had a new part fitted or changed within your central heating and are hearing a tapping noise coming from your central heating system this is more than likely the cause of the tapping – an incorrectly fitted part. Call a professional heating engineer to diagnose the cause of the problem.

Tapping may also be caused by a build-up of limescale, in this case, you may require a power flushing service.

Unusual Noise #5: Banging

If the pipes in your central heating system have not been fitted correctly, this could cause a banging noise to occur. As water passes through your pipes they expand and contract due to heat, this noise may be particularly prominent if your pipes are closer to the floorboards.

Unusual Noise #6: Humming

During normal operation, you will find that your boiler probably produces some noise. If there is a noticeably louder humming sound coming from your boiler there could be a problem with the heating elements in your system. This isn’t really a problem you can diagnose yourself and it is always best to call out an engineer.

What Next?

It is highly common your central heating system can make concerning noises from time to time – this can be worrying at first but easily fixable. We know how much your home depends on the functionality of your central heating. Therefore, we aim to keep your domestic central heating on top of its game and address any problems quickly and efficiently. Contact the team at Heatworks and see how we can help today!