There are some sounds that immediately grab our attention, and not in a good way — like the clanking of a car engine, a chirping smoke alarm, or a strange hissing in your house. These sounds are concerning because they usually indicate that something’s going wrong. The same applies to your water heater. If you’ve been hearing unusual water heater noises, you’re likely wondering what they mean and if they’re cause for alarm.
We’ll review five common water heater noises, explain what might be causing them, and share tips on what to do next. By understanding these sounds, you’ll know when it’s a probable simple fix and when it’s time to call the experts like Mike Williams.
Why Is My Water Heater Making Noise?
A noisy water heater can be caused by several factors, ranging from minor issues to more serious concerns. Some sounds occur naturally during the heating process, but others may be underlying problems that need attention.
Here’s the deal: your water heater heats water in a tank, and that process sometimes can cause noise. However, unusual sounds often result from things like sediment buildup, loose components, or changes in water pressure. Let’s break down the most common water heater noises and what they might mean.
1. Popping Sounds
If your water heater sounds like a boiling stovetop kettle, there’s a good chance sediment buildup is to blame. Over time, sediment and mineral deposits can settle at the bottom of your water heater tank. As the tank heats, steam bubbles form under the sediment and creates a popping noise.
What to Do:
A professional plumber can flush the tank’s drain valve to remove built-up sediment. Routine maintenance like this can prevent popping sounds from becoming a regularly occurring issue.
2. Rumbling Sounds
A rumbling sound coming from your water heater can be concerning. This noise typically happens when sediment buildup has reached a point where it disrupts the flow of water in the tank. As water heats and moves around the sediment, it can create vibrations and rumbling noises.
What to Do:
Rumbling often means that there’s excessive sediment buildup. A professional plumber can clean out the water heater tank, but if the buildup is too severe, it might be time to replace the unit.
3. Hissing or Sizzling Sounds
If your hot water heater is making a sizzling sound, it’s often a sign of moisture buildup or condensation on internal components. This also can happen if water is dripping onto a heating element.
What to Do:
First, check for leaks near the inlet valve, outlet valve, or nearby water lines. If you don’t see visible leaks, the problem may lie within the water heater. Call a professional plumber to inspect the unit and make any necessary repairs.
4. Ticking or Tapping Sounds
Ticking sounds are typically produced when loose pipe straps cause the pipes to expand and contract as hot water flows. These noises are harmless but can be annoying.
What to Do:
Tighten any loose pipe straps to secure the pipes and reduce movement. You also can install non-heat trap nipples to further minimize noise.
5. Banging or Hammering Sounds
A loud noise like banging or hammering is often referred to as “water hammer.” It happens when water flow suddenly changes direction or stops abruptly, typically from rapidly opening or closing a valve. This pressure surge can damage your pipes over time.
What to Do:
Install a water hammer arrestor or pressure-reducing valve to control the pressure surge and protect your plumbing system. A plumber can help with this installation to make sure it’s done correctly.
Other Common Water Heater Noises and Their Fixes
Aside from the five main noises, here are a few more sounds you might hear and what they mean:
- Crackling Sounds: These occur when condensation drips onto the burner in a gas water heater. This is perfectly normal, but excessive crackling might indicate an issue with internal condensation.
- Humming: A vibrating heating element in electric heaters can create a humming noise. Tightening the element can fix this problem.
- High-Pitched Noises: Loose valves letting air into the system can create a high-pitched whistling sound. A plumber can check and adjust the valves as needed.
Why Addressing a Noisy Water Heater Is Important
While some water heater noises are harmless, others can signal serious problems like a failing heating element, excessive sediment buildup, or issues with the pressure relief valve. Ignoring these noises could lead to bigger problems, including reduced efficiency, leaks, or even a complete breakdown of your water heater.
Scheduling regular maintenance and addressing strange noises as soon as possible can save you time, money, and hassle in the long run.
Schedule Your Water Heater Repair in Springfield, IL, Today
If your noisy water heater has you worried, the team at Mike Williams is here to help. Our plumbers in Springfield, IL, have years of experience handling noisy water heaters and other plumbing issues. We can diagnose the problem and get your hot water tank running smoothly again.
Stop worrying about strange noises and get back to enjoying reliable hot water. Call us today to schedule your water heater repair in Springfield, IL, or one of the surrounding areas!