Noisy Central Heating Pump
A humming, grinding or vibrating noise from the airing cupboard whenever the heating runs..
A humming, grinding or vibrating noise from the airing cupboard whenever the heating runs.
What is actually going on
A humming, grinding or vibrating noise from the airing cupboard whenever the heating runs.
The realistic causes, in order
Air trapped in the pump head, which sounds like gravel and often clears with correct venting Worn bearings after years of service, giving a constant low growl The pump mounted rigidly against a joist or board, transmitting normal vibration into the structure
What we test on site
Pump speed setting and whether it suits the system's resistance Bearing condition and shaft rotation Mounting and isolation, since a mechanically transmitted noise is not a pump fault at all
Get a noisy circulation pump diagnosed properly
Pump replacement or correct venting and mounting — we identify which before quoting.
Questions we get asked
What causes a noisy circulation pump on a gas boiler?
Air trapped in the pump head, which sounds like gravel and often clears with correct venting
What normally puts a noisy circulation pump right?
Pump replacement or correct venting and mounting — we identify which before quoting.
Is it safe to keep using the system with a noisy circulation pump?
Old fixed-speed pumps use noticeably more electricity than modern high-efficiency replacements, which is worth factoring in when a pump is already being replaced.