Is a whistling boiler dangerous?
Kettling, where a boiler makes a whistling noise and often gives off steam, is an indication that something isn’t quite right with your boiler. Many modern heating systems have safeguards in place that prevent it from ever reaching this stage. However, for those living in old properties where the boiler hasn’t been updated or repaired in years, boiler kettling remains a risk.
In this blog, we’ll discuss what causes boiler whistling, if it’s dangerous, and how it can be fixed.
What does a whistling boiler mean?
The whistling noise made by some boilers is an indication that the flow of water to and from the unit is being disrupted. As a result, the water is being slowed down and spending too much time in the boiler. This causes it to heat up more than it should, reaching temperatures of around 100°C.
The steam produced creates high amounts of pressure within the boiler, which is the route of further problems. Boilers are not designed to contain this kind of force, which is why the steam often escapes through gaps in the unit. Or the steam damages the boiler casing and other boiler components in an effort to escape.
Possible causes of a whistling boiler
When a boiler is making a whistling noise, there can be a variety of causes. These differ in the area of the boiler or boiler part that has been affected.
Faulty thermostat
A boiler thermostat is responsible for measuring the temperature of water in the boiler and then communicating its readings to other components. A malfunctioning thermostat could provide incorrect readings, which have the potential to cause overheating.
Limescale build up
Limescale can naturally build up in systems where water is constantly present, such as washing machines and boilers. It constricts the volume of water that can flow at any given time, which can lead to water being over exposed to the boiler flame. The issue of limescale is more likely to affect those who live in areas with hard water.
Sludge build up
As water passes throughout a home’s heating supply system and back to the boiler over and over, debris can get dislodged along the way. Oftentimes this will flow around the system harmlessly and be removed during drainage. However, it can clump up and disrupt water flow. One of the common causes of sludge build up is Magnetite, a chemical substance produced by internal radiator wear.
Damaged or defective pump
As you might guess, a boiler pump is vital to the flow of water throughout a property’s central heating. If it isn’t functioning optimally, it means water isn’t being pushed through the heat exchanger at a fast enough rate. A slow water flow is the main cause of overheating and in turn, boiler kettling.
How to fix a boiler that’s whistling
No one wants their boiler to make unusual sounds, even if it’s completely harmless. In the case of whistling however, there is a chance it can be dangerous. The high pressure created within the boiler has the potential to burst pipework, leading to pressurised steam leaving the system. This carries the risk of burns and the creation of electrical hazards.
Therefore, it’s important to fix a whistling boiler as soon as the problem is recognised. From here, a professional has to inspect the system to identify what is causing the boiler to whistle. This lets them source the heating replacement parts needed to resolve the issue and return the boiler to normal functionality. In the case of limescale build up, a ‘noise reducer’ substance is often added to the system to break down large pieces of limescale.
Preventative measures
Of course, ideally your boiler won’t ever get to the stage where it’s whistling. Fortunately, there are certain steps that can be taken to help prevent kettling. This includes:
- Treating the system with chemicals – cleaning chemicals can be added to a heating system to help reduce sludge build up and keep water flowing freely.
- Installing a water filter – similarly, a filter helps remove any impurities from water as it travels in and out of the boiler. This reduces the risk of blockages.
- Clean the boiler heat exchanger – an important boiler part for accurate heating, the heat exchanger should be removed and scrubbed every few years. If limescale has built-up, seeking a heating spares supplier might be the best option.
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