Very loud noises from boiler [video]

watersrevenge

Hello

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CLwnOq9K-VE

I've just purchased a house, I went there today just to start sorting things out. It was a bit chilly so I decided to switch the heating on for half an hour to give it a test.

The boiler is old, it's a Baxi Solo 2 60PF with some newer control unit added for timers etc.

Anyway I switched it on via the mains switch and all was good, the radiators warmed lovely. When I was ready to leave I switched the heating off and then switched the mains switch off as well.

After going back downstairs for a few minutes I could hear some banging and rattling. When I went to investigate it was coming from the boiler or something very close to it. It did worry me as the system was shut off via mains and the noises were quite loud.

What is going on here??? Is it the boiler/water tank? It sounded more from the boiler itself.


Thanks

Robin9

Has the mains water been turned off?

Have you running cold water?

watersrevenge

Robin9 wrote: »

Has the mains water been turned off?

Have you running cold water?

Hi whilst I was there I used the sink to run cold water about 4 times and flushed the toilet about 3 times without issue so the water must have been on. Didn't notice any water pressure issues

Thanks

jblessing

"Anyway I switched it on via the mains switch and all was good, the radiators warmed lovely. When I was ready to leave I switched the heating off and then switched the mains switch off as well."

I have never switched a gas boiler off at the mains switch (by which I presume you mean the electrical supply to the boiler). The boiler is should be controlled by the timer and the thermostat only.

When our boiler was making loud banging sounds it was because the central heating pump had failed, and the sound was stationary water being heated until it created bubbles of steam inside the boiler. Maybe you have the same problem

bsod

lost a squirrel?

AndyPK

it does sound like an animal in there !

You shouldn't really switch them off at the mains, only the timer as I think they have a fan that runs on to cool things down etc.

watersrevenge

Thanks for the replies

The house is unoccupied and thought there'd be no harm turning the mains off until I move in.

It does sound like an animal trying to escape haha. Could there actually be a bird or mouse that's gone in to the flue or something like that?

CashStrapped

just watched the video.....I'm voting for animal

Where is the external flue? Can you see where it exits? Does it have a wire guard on it?

As it has been off for a while it is possible something built a nest in there. When you re-activated the boiler.....well....less said the better...

.....my point is....it may be dying.....and not in a good way....

If you can see nothing from the exterior flue. You need to get someone in to open the cover and access the flue. You could open the cover yourself, but you will the need to access the flue, which is a tiny bit more involved.

When was it last serviced? Might be a good time to get it done anyway. It is an old (but probably reliable boiler). So services are important.

AndyPK

Don't think it will be die ing.

CashStrapped

lol - Unless it's ghost is trying to get out, I am not sure if it is dead....yet....

pogofish

Sounds like a failing pump to me - and yes it can be really loud/annoying and it can rumble-on intermittently for some time before the pump finally dies.

Its also not cheap to fix.