IBC Kettling / Water Hammer in Heat Exchanger

Boiler makes loud banging or knocking noises when starting or during operation.

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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.

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Possible Causes

Limescale buildup in heat exchanger, Low flow through boiler, Air in system, Incorrect pump speed setting

How to Fix / Troubleshooting

Safety: Turn off power and allow the boiler to cool before touching any components.

  • Check system pressure and air: Ensure system pressure is within the recommended range. Bleed air from radiators and air vents.
  • Verify pump speed: If the primary pump has adjustable speeds, set it according to IBC's recommendations for your system.
  • Inspect strainers: Clean any system strainers or filters that may be restricting flow.
  • Descaling: If the boiler is in a hard water area and noise persists, the stainless steel heat exchanger may require chemical descaling by a professional.

Ignoring kettling can shorten heat exchanger life. Have a technician evaluate flow rates and perform a proper flush/descale if needed.

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Repair Difficulty

Hard 4/5

Required Part

Primary Heat Exchanger
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