Noisy Central Heating System | What To Know

Are you suffering with a noisy central heating system?

Does it sound like an orchestra is playing in your pipes?

DO YOU FIND YOURSELF RAISING YOUR VOICE WHEN YOU’VE GOT YOUR HEATING ON?

If you’ve answered YES to any of these questions, it could be a sign that there is something wrong with your system and you should definitely check it out.

A noisy central heating system can be caused by a number of things, many of which you can fix up yourself.

Other more serious causes of annoying and loud central heating will need to be investigated and fixed by a qualified plumber.

But here at BestHeating, we like to give our customers the tools to fix things for themselves, so this blog is designed to help you identify the most common sounds and causes of noisy heating systems and what you can do to solve the problem.

Gurgling

If your radiators are making a gurgling sound – like a kettle as it’s beginning to boil – it’s probably air trapped inside. This problem can be solved by bleeding the radiators – watch the video below to find out how.

Tapping

A tapping – or gurgling sound like the one described above – is often caused by a build-up of limescale within the pipes. If you suspect this is the problem, use a non-acidic cleaner to flush out the system when the heating is turned off.

The type of chemical cleaner you’ll need is dependent upon the age of your radiators and your boiler.

Older central heating systems may need a much stronger solution than newer installations, so don’t just go and pick one off the shelf at the local plumbers merchant – be sure to ask them which chemical cleaner is best for the age and condition of your system.

Nobody wants noisy central heating to disturb their tranquility.

Humming

A humming boiler can mean that the heating elements are not functioning properly, usually as a result of being set to the wrong timing or pressure.

First, check that the thermostat is working correctly. If it is, turn your attention to the central heating pump; this may be set too fast and need slowing down.

If you think it’s necessary, turn the pressure down too, as too high a setting can result in pipe-damage and clanging sounds.

Creaking, clicking or knocking

As water in the system heats up and flows through the pipes, it causes them to expand – and contract again once cooled.

If there’s insufficient room beneath the floorboards for this to happen, then noises will occur.

Check the position of the pipes and make any necessary adjustments if you find they are too close to the joists or floorboards – you can just use a saw and a chisel to make more room.

If the pipes have room to expand but are still making a noise, pack some light insulation around the pipe as that should help to limit movement and dull the sound.

Tell us how you’ve got on!

If you really struggle to fix the problem, then it may be time to call in the professionals.

But if you have had some success with these tips, don’t forget to leave a comment and tell us all about it – you never know, you might help someone else with their problem.

For more help, advice and info on many heating issues, visit us on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest and be sure to check out the ‘How-to-guides’ below.

• How To Bleed A Heated Towel Rail
• How To Drain Down A Pressurised System
• How To Fill A Pressurised Heating System
• How To Install TRVs To A Radiator
• How To Install A Radiator

Stay safe and happy heating!

The post How to Cure a Noisy Central Heating System appeared first on BestHeating.com.