Ruud Kettling / Boiling in Heat Exchanger

Boiler makes loud banging or knocking noises (kettling) 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

Lime scale buildup in heat exchanger, low system flow, air pockets in heat exchanger, incorrect system pressure

How to Fix / Troubleshooting

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

  • Check pressure and bleed air: Verify system pressure is correct and bleed air from the boiler and radiators.
  • Confirm circulator operation: Ensure the pump is running and valves are open to provide adequate flow through the boiler.
  • Descale heat exchanger: Persistent kettling usually indicates scale. A professional should perform a chemical flush of the Ruud heat exchanger using manufacturer‑approved descaling solution and pump.
  • Install water treatment: Consider adding a scale inhibitor or water treatment system to prevent recurrence.
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Repair Difficulty

Hard 4/5

Required Part

Primary Heat Exchanger
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