Boilers are one of the most common heating systems in the country. They provide comfortable and efficient heat and only require regular maintenance to work reliably. At Polar Bear Air Conditioning and Heating, we offer complete boiler repairs and installation in Washington, DC. One of the most common calls for service that we get is boiler noises. All boiler repairs should be done by a professional contractor. We thought it would be helpful if we put together some of the most common causes of boiler noises so that our customers would know when to call us.
Boiler Knocking and What It Means
Perhaps the most common boiler noise that people in Washington, DC call us about is a knocking sound. There are several causes for this sound and you should always consult a professional plumber if you start to hear that noise.
- Air in the pipes – Over time, air bubbles can start to build up in your boiler pipes. Unless your boiler lines get regularly bled, the air moving through your pipes can create a knocking sound. This is usually fixed by a heating technician who can open the pressure release vale to let the air out.
- Oversized boiler – If your boiler is too large for your home it can cause boiling in your water lines which can cause a knocking.
- Sediment – If you have hard water at your home the excess minerals can start to build up on the bottom of your boiler tank. When the burner kicks on to heat up the water, the sediment crust will block the heat and cause rapid heating of the water underneath the crust to heat up quickly and form steam.
- Expansion tank – The expansion tank for your boiler allows for it to accommodate the physical properties of water that make it expand when heated. If your expansion tank isn’t working right it could cause the knocking sound as well.
If you need boiler repairs in Washington, DC, just call the experts at Polar Bear.