Your boiler works hard to keep your home warm and comfortable during the cold winter months, but it is not a silent appliance. Boilers use gas, oil or electricity to heat water to heat your home, and they make a wide range of noises when they start up and run. Most of the noises you will hear coming from your boiler are completely normal and nothing to worry about, but other sounds could be warning signs. Learn more about some normal sounds boilers make and the noises that indicate repairs are necessary.
Normal Boiler Noises
Your boiler is controlled by a thermostat, and it springs into action when the temperature in your home falls below a preset level. When it turns on, your boiler may make rumbling, whirring, rushing or hissing noises. These noises are normal, and they are signs that your boiler has begun to heat up water for circulation around your home. Your boiler may emit a low-pitched hum when it is working, and the pipes connected to it could make clicking noises. A humming noise is a sign that your boiler is working properly, and pipes make clicking and ticking noises when the water inside them heats up.
Boiler Noises That Could Be Signs of Trouble
If your boiler has started to make unusually loud or persistent noises, it may need repair, or it could be reaching the end of its service life. Calling an experienced professional could be a good idea if you hear any of the following boiler sounds:
- Clanging or banging: Boilers make these sounds when water is being overheated or limescale buildup is restricting water flow.
- Whistling: If your boiler is making whistling noises, a blockage or a faulty pressure relief valve is likely the cause.
- Gurgling: Boilers make gurgling noises when air gets trapped in the system. This sound can also be caused by low water pressure or frozen pipes.
- Rumbling: If your boiler makes rumbling sounds when it is running, a buildup of sediment in the tank may be restricting water flow.
- Humming: Boilers hum when water is circulating too quickly. This problem is usually caused by a faulty pump.
- Whooshing: Boilers that make whooshing noises usually have blocked air intakes or dirty air filters.
We’ll Repair Your Boiler
If your boiler has started to make sounds that worry you, we can help. We have been serving our area since 1985, and we have an A+ rating from the BBB. Our experienced professionals will answer your questions and get to the root of your boiler problems. Call Big Sky Plumbing & Heating when your Helena, MT boiler needs to be repaired.