Atlantic Kettling / Localized Boiling in Heat Exchanger

Boiler makes loud banging or knocking noises (kettling) during operation, especially when heating starts or stops.

Advertisements

Safety Warning

This repair may involve working with high voltage components or water connections. Always unplug the appliance before removing any panels.

If you are not confident in your ability to perform this repair safely, we strongly recommend contacting a professional technician.

Advertisements

Possible Causes

Limescale buildup in primary heat exchanger, Sludge in system water, Insufficient flow rate, Incorrect pump speed setting

How to Fix / Troubleshooting

Safety: Noisy operation can indicate overheating. Do not ignore persistent banging.

  • Check system pressure: Ensure pressure is within the recommended range. Low pressure can reduce flow and cause kettling.
  • Bleed radiators and boiler: Remove trapped air to improve circulation.
  • Adjust pump speed: If the pump has selectable speeds, set it to a higher speed to increase flow through the heat exchanger.
  • Professional cleaning: A technician should chemically flush the system, descale the primary heat exchanger if necessary, and add inhibitor to prevent future buildup.
Advertisements

Repair Difficulty

Medium 3/5

Required Part

Primary Heat Exchanger
Check Price on Amazon

We may earn a commission from links on this page.

Advertisements