If you hear strange noises coming from your boiler in Mechanicsville, MD, then the time to take action is now. Whether you hear consistent whistling or loud bangs, boiler noises can mean different things, and some of them are serious. By listening closely, you can stay attuned to these four boiler noises in time to nip potentially dangerous problems in the bud.
1. Whistling and “Kettling” Noises
As calcium carbonate and other minerals build up inside your boiler, they tend to make a whistling sound when heated. You’re probably familiar with this sound if you’ve ever used a tea kettle, and that’s why this noise is also known as “kettling.” In addition to shortening your boiler’s lifespan, this buildup can affect your indoor air quality.
2. Loud Bangs
Banging noises are probably the scariest ones you can hear coming from your boiler. Most modern boilers will shut off long before they could explode, so don’t panic if you hear loud bangs, but do call a professional right away. Banging noises often signal that there’s a problem with the heat exchanger.
3. Clanging Noises
These metallic noises sound like someone is lightly tossing things around inside your boiler. Like banging noises, they often happen when your boiler’s heat exchanger is under stress. Mineral buildup is usually the primary cause of heat exchanger problems, so you’ll often hear clanging noises in combination with whistling and kettling.
4. Bubbling and Gurgling
When your boiler is working properly, you shouldn’t hear anything at all. When your pipes trap air bubbles, however, you’ll sometimes hear gurgling or bubbling sounds. To fix this problem, a qualified technician will usually need to come out and purge all the air from your system.
It’s always scary to hear noises coming from your boiler or pipes, but our team is standing by and ready to help. To learn more about our boiler repair services, contact Hancock Refrigeration today.
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