Boilers are fantastic when they work as they should, providing 24/7 access to heating and hot water, which transforms a house into a warm and comfortable home. However, most of us take them for granted until they break down. Recognising the warning signs of a boiler issue – such as hissing noises – can help you keep your system in top shape. Here are some possible causes behind those noises.
Limescale build-up
One reason why boilers might start to hiss is if there’s a limescale build-up. Particularly in areas with hard water, limescale deposits can start to negatively affect the functionality of the heating system, especially if it builds up on the heat exchange.
To keep on top of this, it’s important to have regular services carried out, by boiler technicians from services such as Able Plumbers. In most cases – regardless of the age of your boiler – these services should be carried out at least once a year.
Water pressure issues
Problems with water pressure can also be a common cause behind hissing boilers and heating systems. Typically, this will be a result of high rather than low water pressure, with the excess pressure causing water or steam to escape through gaps or safety valves.
It’s important to regularly check the pressure of your boiler, especially if it’s hissing. Most boilers are designed to run at between around 1 to 2 bar, but it’s worth checking your specific model to see what pressure it’s supposed to run at before calling a boiler technician in.
Bubbles in radiators
Another reason why your heating system might hiss is if there are air bubbles in the pipes or radiators. While the hissing won’t necessarily come from the boiler itself, it can be equally annoying and will often also result in less efficient transmission of heat.
Luckily, these kinds of issues are normally very easy to fix. There will typically be a small valve on the radiator that can be opened with a small key, allowing the air to leave the system. Known as bleeding, this should be done on a regular basis to ensure that your heating system remains as efficient as possible.
Leaks in the System
Small leaks in the heating system can also lead to hissing noises. While it’s tempting to search for the source of the leak yourself, high-pressure steam can be dangerous. It’s safer to contact a professional, such as those at Boiler Repair London, to inspect and resolve the issue safely.
While some of the issues listed above are pretty simple to fix – such as bleeding a radiator of air bubbles – others definitely will require professional help. It’s important that you take any issues seriously, as the implications of getting things seriously wrong are both potentially expensive and dangerous.
