Rinnai Heat Exchanger Kettling / Localized Boiling

Boiler makes loud banging or knocking noises when starting or stopping, sometimes called kettling.

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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 primary heat exchanger, Sludge in system water, Insufficient flow rate, Air pockets in heat exchanger

How to Fix / Troubleshooting

Safety first: Turn off power and allow the boiler to cool before touching pipework.

  • Bleed air: Bleed radiators and any automatic air vents to remove trapped air that can cause noise.
  • Check system flow: Ensure all valves are open and that the circulation pump is operating correctly.
  • System cleaning: Have a professional perform a chemical flush of the heating system and, if necessary, a targeted descaling of the Rinnai heat exchanger.
  • Install filter: Consider adding a magnetic or dirt filter on the return line to protect the boiler from sludge.
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Repair Difficulty

Hard 4/5

Required Part

Primary Heat Exchanger
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