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NOISY WATER HEATER? 3 POSSIBLE CAUSES
admin • May 15, 2019
From flushing toilets and washing dishes to doing a load of laundry, water is an essential part of most home's daily life. On average, 28 gallons of water are used each day in households just by showering and most of this water is hot. Therefore, showering alone uses a great deal of water and energy to create the hot water.
Unfortunately, issues do arise with your water heater, preventing you from creating and using hot water effectively and efficiently. In many instances, these issues cause your water heater to make loud, abnormal noises, which are early warning signs of distress. This guide and your plumber will help you understand a few common reasons your water heater is making loud noises.
1. Sediment Buildup
If you hear a popping or cracking noise, you may have an excess amount of sediment in your water heater tank. As water moves in through your plumbing lines and water heater, dirt and other sediment will also move through, eventually building up on the bottom and interior walls of the tank.
As the tank and water heats up, the sediment heats up, which causes it to explode, resulting in the popping and cracking sounds.
Although the noise is annoying, a heavy buildup of sediment can be dangerous for your water heater. Over time, the sediment will continue to heat up, which causes the water heater tank to expand and contract, which could lead to a small or even larger leak with water damage if the tank explodes.
Regular maintenance will reduce the risk of sediment and potential water leaks. Most experts recommend flushing sediment out of your tank with a garden hose every 6 months.
2. Water Pressure Changes
A ticking noise coming from your hot water heater could be due to changes in the water pressure.
Many water heaters are equipped with a heat trap, which is used to trap the heat inside the water heater so it remains in the tank. By ensuring the heat remains inside the tank, water will be heated more efficiently, which reduces the overall energy usage of your water heater.
Unfortunately, as water is heated and trapped in the heat trap, it can cause fluctuations in the water pressure. This causes the ticking sound you are hearing.
Thankfully, other than being annoying, the ticking sound is not a cause for concern. You can remove the heat trap to stop the noise, but you will affect the water heater's energy efficiency.
3. Condensation or Leaks
If your water heater is fueled by gas and you hear a sizzling sound, condensation or an actual water leak is most likely the cause.
Small amounts of moisture, or condensation, will form and drip onto the burners and other parts of your gas water heater over time. This condensation will cause a sizzling noise that can be quite alarming to homeowners.
The noise may also stem from an actual leak from the water heater's tank. Hot water that leaks out of the tank and onto other components that are also heated will create the sizzling sound, as well.
If you notice any spots, splashes, or puddles of water on or around your water heater, turn off the power and the water.
For electric water heaters, shut the power off at the circuit breaker box. For natural-gas water heaters, turn the valve/dial at the bottom of the water heater to the “Off” position. Then, shut the water supply valve off, which will most likely be located above the water heater.
Your plumbing contractor can then help you locate and address the cause of the leak.
All appliances make some sounds when in operation. However, abnormal sounds coming from your water heater could be warning you of potential problems. For assistance with your water heater, contact Art Douglas Plumbing Inc. today.
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