Why Is My Radiator Making A Noise, and How Do I Fix It?

Introduction:

No matter what kind of radiator you have, you generally expect it to operate reasonably quietly - whether you have designer radiators or more traditional vertical and horizontal radiators, you expect silent operation. There are, however, occasional noises that radiators can make, which can lead you to start worrying.

With boiler repairs and plumbing work always seeming to be such an expensive prospect, you want the peace of mind that comes with knowing that your radiator's noises are actually quite normal. This applies to all types of radiators - chrome radiators, RAL colour radiators, electric radiators, and more.

Knowing The Noises

While radiators are usually quiet, they're not designed to be totally silent all the time - there are the occasional creaks and groans that you come to expect. These will often occur as the system is heating up, or when it's cooling down again - the metal will contract and expand naturally, and will sometimes creak.

If you hear unusual noises, however, there are a few common symptoms. Here are the three most common reasons for noisy radiators.

1. Air Bubbles

Your central heating system is a vast network of piping, which means that there are going to be odd occasions when air bubbles form. This is quite normal, indeed your system has been designed to allow for this, as it's a natural symptom of the water flushing through the system (water itself carries small air bubbles, which get trapped).

Clicking noises are reasonably common to hear when you have an issue with air bubbles, as the warm water flowing through the pipe will leave air bubbles behind it. These bubbles expand and collapse in your piping. Air bubbles are a common issue, and not expensive to deal with, but they can lead to larger problems if you just leave them - so it pays to get the issue remedied as soon as possible, in order to prevent more complex issues.

2. Warping Pipes

Another common cause of noisy radiators is pipe warping. Radiator pipes are made of metal that contracts and expands as they're heated and then subsequently cooled. This expansion isn't considerable, and it's a totally natural reaction, but on rare occasions, it can lead to the pipe itself warping, as its structural rigidity is compromised through stress.

If your central heating system is reasonably new, this shouldn't be too much of a concern, however, if you have an older central heating system you might want to think about updating and refreshing some of the pipework - especially in places where the pipes are run through wooden joints. Again, the noise made by warping pipes shouldn't worry you in itself, but it is an early warning sign that you should keep your radiator pipework in mind.

3. Limescale Buildup

Limescale build-up is a much more serious issue, as it can potentially cause considerable boiler damage if left untreated. Limescale buildup occurs primarily in hard water areas and is otherwise known as "kettling" in relation to limescale buildup in kettles. It's when, quite simply, limescale begins to form through the water pipes.

As those limescale deposits become bigger and bigger, it becomes harder for water to flow smoothly through the heating system. This can cause a backlog of pressure, in excess of that your heating system has not been designed to withstand. The fallout from this is potentially catastrophic and highly expensive. Fortunately, however, limescale buildup is a comparatively rare event, and you're only likely to suffer it if you happen to live in an area that has exceptionally heavy water. You could help further prevent this issue by investing in a water softener for your property.

What Can You Do About It?

If you're suffering from noisy radiators, whether they were next day designer radiators, low-level radiators, or seat radiators, you have some options. In most cases, the issue will be a simple one, and the problem will either go away on its own, or you can solve it both cheaply and easily. Here are your three main options:

1. Bleed The Radiator

If the problem is down to air bubbles in your radiator's system, you can bleed it with relative ease. The first step is to switch off the boiler to make sure there's no hot water flushing through the piping. Then you get a radiator key, which you can pick up for next to nothing in any hardware shop, and use it to unlock the bleed valve.

Before you do, have a bowl or other container underneath to catch any water - then slowly turn the radiator valve, letting out the excess water until you start hearing a hiss. It's possible you might have to do this to several radiators to fully bleed your system.

2. Cushion The Piping

Expanding radiator pipes aren't a problem to fix (it's what they're designed to do), so you can't prevent the odd creak or groan. What you can do, however, is invest in some cushioning to dampen the noises that they make. Foam, insulation, or even moving furniture slightly can all have a strong effect on keeping the pipes quiet.

3. Contact a Plumber

If you're ever unsure of anything, contact a plumber immediately. They will be able to tell you whether you have any problems that need remedying or not. The call-out fee is a small investment for your peace of mind.

Under no circumstances should you ever try and make repairs to your boiler or heating system without having the proper qualifications - you could potentially seriously injure yourself, and/or cause devastating damage to your heating system. It's much cheaper in the long run, not to mention safer, to invest in the expert opinion of a qualified plumber. Contact them, especially if the sounds you're hearing are becoming regular, louder, or are accompanied by your system becoming more inefficient.

The Right Radiator For You

If you're thinking of purchasing a radiator from Just Radiators, you now know exactly what to do if you happen to hear any noises in your heating system.

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact us right away! Our award winning team of experts are always happy to advise you.