girl in distress - back boiler query Help and information on all topics relating to your central heating, air conditioning and ventilation issues.

[munchy_me]

My flat has a back boiler located behind the fire. The heating is off but the boiler sounds like it is firing up every 20-ish minutes. I.e there is a big "whoomph" noise followed by some clicks. Is this normal?! The radiators don't heat up when this happens. I am worried it could be dangerous. ANy answer greatly received!

If it isn't dangerous, is gas being wasted? I.e will this increase my bills if it keeps happening?

Apologies I cannot give a better explanation of whats happening!!

Em

[htg engineer]

No it's not normal if all controls are turned off, get an engineer out to take a look as it could be dangerous, if it is firing up then yes it will be costing you.

htg

[munchy_me]

thanks.
YOu say if all the controls are off then this is not normal. Would there be any time when what the boiler is doing would be normal?

[htg engineer]

You shouldn't get a big "whoomph" from any gas appliance, unless you just mean the gas is igniting. When you get this loud noise when the gas does ignite it's normally a blocked pilot or injector, as the gas is building up before igniting.

Clicking, will probably just be normal expansion of the metal components of the boiler.

How long does it come on for ?

htg

[munchy_me]

it comes on for about 10 seconds at a time. It happens every 20 or so minutes. The radiators don't heat up and neither does the water. I have noticed that the pipes under my floorboards are hot though. These pipes lead into the cupboard in which my water tank is stored.

thanks for your help :D