Is your boiler making a distinctive aeroplane noise? It could be kettling and in this guide, we detail the likely causes and costs to fix.
There are various noises that boilers can make when they run into trouble.
One such noise that is commonly reported is boilers making a sound that resembles an aeroplane.
But what is this noise and why would it happen?
Let’s take a closer look!
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What Causes a Boiler Aeroplane Sound?
This sound can be especially concerning. It’s one of those “that doesn’t sound good” sorts of noises that would grab your attention right away.
This sound may resemble an aeroplane or even a drone.
But what causes this sound? Is my boiler doomed? It’s generally the result of a problem with the boiler pump.
Thankfully, having this replaced will usually do the job and your boiler is, in fact, not doomed.
However, a qualified heating engineer will verify this.
How to Fix an Aeroplane Boiler Sound
As touched on, this can generally be fixed by having your boiler pump replaced.
However, it’s important to clarify that you cannot fix this DIY.
Instead, you’ll have to hire a Gas Safe Register engineer who will replace the boiler pump for you.
Of course, you should not tell the heating engineer to simply replace the boiler pump.
They will look at the problem and verify whether replacing the boiler is what’s required and if it’s the only fix needed.
It’s important to have this issue fixed as quickly as possible.
You do not want to let this issue worsen and lead to other problems, as this would cost you more and potentially pose significant safety risks.
If your boiler is old and inefficient, you may find that it’s more financially sensible to have your boiler replaced entirely than get a new boiler pump installed.
Of course, given the ongoing cost of living crisis, this may seem impossible for many households right now.
However, you’ll be glad to know that it’s possible to purchase a boiler on finance.
In other words, you can buy now and pay later.
In some cases, this will involve paying interest, although zero-interest options do exist.
What About Boiler Kettling?
A related issue is when a boiler sounds like a kettle in the middle of boiling. This is known as kettling.
If this is the case, it may be the result of a leaky system, high pressure, and the accumulation of limescale.
Again, as with a boiler sounding like an aeroplane, if your boiler is experiencing kettling, you’ll need to hire a qualified heating engineer and you should do so ASAP.
Please note that the above issues could also explain a boiler sounding like an aeroplane although in most cases, it will be a matter of having the boiler pump replaced.
Other Reasons a Boiler May Sound Like an Aeroplane or Boiling Kettle
Here are some more potential explanations for these issues:
Overheating heater*
Faulty thermostat^
The thermostat has many issues and must be fixed/replaced by a professional.
*If a boiler is overheating, this could prove especially dangerous as it can even risk leading to an explosion. If your boiler is overheating, you should turn the water off right away (by turning off the inside stop valve) before calling a heating engineer. Ideally, you should contact the heating engineer on their emergency contact.
If in doubt as to how to turn the water off, check the water provider’s manual.
If you think your boiler really could explode, evacuate the property right away and call the emergency services.
^If overheating is at play, your boiler may cut out, meaning that there is uneven heating. If you know what is involved in resetting or correctly adjusting a thermostat, you may be able to fix the problem DIY. This is the only scenario where a boiler sounds like an aeroplane or kettling could potentially be fixed DIY.
However, if in doubt or if this doesn’t work, you should hire a professional.
Don’t spend too much time trying to figure this out unless you’re sure of what is involved.
Even when you’ve adjusted to reset the thermostat, you need to be sure that the issue has been resolved.
Keep a listen out in case the problem starts back up again.
How Much Does It Cost to Fix a Boiler Making Noise Like an Aeroplane or Boiler Kettling?
First and foremost, to fix this issue, you will likely need to have your boiler pump replaced.
This would likely cost somewhere in the region of £190 to £300.
This includes both the cost of labour and supply costs.
Please note that the price of labour can differ based on factors such as where you live.
The reason that location matters is that the cost of labour varies from region to region throughout the UK.
Alternatively, you may need to have boiler leak(s) repaired.
This is likely to cost between £130 and £320 (again considering both labour and supply costs as will apply to the costs listed below).
If your boiler pressure needs to be reduced, this may cost somewhere between £30 and £180.
Beyond that, if limescale has accumulated in your heating system this will need to be fixed with power flushing.
This tends to cost between £400 and £500. Like with having a boiler pump replaced, you may find it’s more financially sensible to simply replace your boiler at this stage, particularly if you can get one on finance and with low or zero interest.
Should you need to have an overheating boiler fixed, this could cost anywhere from £30 to £500 depending on what solution is necessary (e.g., repairing or replacing a thermistor or power flushing).
Again, if your boiler is overheating this could prove particularly dangerous, so you should get a heating engineer out ASAP.
Lastly, if your thermostat needs to be repaired or replaced, this is likely to cost between £60 and £300.
It would depend on whether or not it needs repairing or replacing and, if you’re replacing a thermostat, having a smart thermostat fitted would naturally be more expensive than availing of a more traditional option.
You may be interested in Gas Engineer Allen Hart explaining the most common boiler problems and how you can resolve them in the video below:
How to Fix the F1 Fault
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