It’s common for a water heater to make some pretty strange noises, but it may be unclear why. Let’s take a look at some of the most typical sounds you’ll notice and what’s causing them. This will help you determine whether you should worry about them.
Whistling
When pressure forces water through a small opening, you’ll hear a high-pitched whistle. This is often the result of a valve that’s not completely opened. You can tell where the valve is by listening carefully. To fix this problem, we’ll need to replace the valve. Always leave water heater repairs to the professionals. There’s a risk of burns when working with these heaters.
Popping
Sediment buildup can cause a popping noise. It’s normal for sediment to build up in a water heater, especially if you have hard water. What you’re hearing are steam bubbles as they erupt through that sediment. We’ll need to flush and drain the tank to remove that buildup and eliminate the popping noise.
Hissing
Electric water heaters make hissing noises when sediment covers the lower heating elements. Flushing and draining the tank will help with this issue, too.
Banging
When the water in your system suddenly stops or forcefully changes direction, it can create pressure in your system. This results in the banging noise you hear. This sound is often described as a water hammer. A water hammer can have enough strength to burst your pipes. Don’t wait to call for help.
Humming
Humming noises coming from your water heater are often the result of a loose heating element. The loose heating element causes the surrounding water to vibrate. Tightening the element usually takes care of the hum.
Running Water
If you think you can hear water running in your water heater, it could be the sound of the water filling the tank. You don’t have to worry unless the sound is continuous. That could mean that you have a broken pipe or a leak that we need to fix.
Rumbling
Sediment that builds up in the bottom of your water heater’s tank can cause a rumbling or vibrating noise. What you’re hearing is boiling water that’s trapped under the buildup. As it bubbles, it causes a vibration. Once again, having the tank flushed and drained will help.
Don’t panic the next time you hear strange noises coming from the water heater. If you do suspect that there’s a problem, call Royal Services in Brighton, CO for professional water heater repair or replacement.