Is it normal for a boiler to be very noisy?

As you live in a house for longer periods of time, you’ll start to notice various noises. That might be a strange gurgling after you’ve flushed one of the toilets, or weird creaking noises as you walk around the living room.

While some of these noises are totally normal and should be treated as part of the house’s character, others might require further attention. Today, we decided to take a closer look at some of the noises that boilers can make, exploring whether those sounds should worry you or not, whether you need to get a boiler repair or simply whether it’s time for a new boiler altogether. 

Gurgling

A common noise that boilers, radiators and other parts of the heating system can make is a kind of gurgling sound. This can be caused by a number of different factors, including low pressure and air in the system.

While it’s not generally a big issue if those noises aren’t super loud, if the noises started suddenly, or became much louder, it could be a sign of a problem that needs sorting out. That could be something as simple as bleeding the radiators, or something more complex requiring a boiler technician. 

Whirring 

Another noise that you might hear coming from your boiler is a kind of whirring sound. It might be at a single pitch, or it could go between different low and high tones.

One cause of this noise could be an old or faulty pump. As it struggles to build pressure, the motor can start to make a noise, which can become louder the harder it tries. If this noise has just come up and it’s left unattended, it could result in complete pressure failure. Either way, it’s worth getting checked out to be on the safe side.

Rumbling

If you hear loud rumbling noises or whistling sounds coming from your boiler, a bit like when a kettle is boiling, it could be a sign of limescale build-up. These deposits on the heat exchange can cause steam bubbles to occur, as a result of the restrictive effect it has on the flow of water in the boiler. Often, this limescale build-up can be removed during regular servicing, which will ensure that the boiler is able to function efficiently again.

Vibrating

While lots of boilers will vibrate slightly when running normally, if that vibrating noise becomes particularly loud, it could be something to watch out for. If the boiler is visibly moving, it could be a sign that something is wrong, or that it needs to be secured properly in its fastenings.

If it’s left to vibrate for too long, it could result in cracking or other issues, which could be a lot more costly to fix than simply preventing the vibrations in the first place.

In general, any noises that suddenly start out of the blue are worth investigating further. If you call a boiler technician, they’ll likely be able to tell you over the phone whether or not it’s something that merits an inspection. By getting your boiler regularly serviced, you can help avoid these unexpected issues, ensuring that it runs as smoothly as possible for years to come.