Few days ago we got a call from a resident from Lakewood, Denver and complaining about “Why is my water heater making noise?“. We asked what kind of noise you are getting, she said its like continuous hissing like a snake, then we asked her to turn off the heater and our support team along with our expert Joseph went to the spot and inspected the heater and found out that its Pressure relief valve got damaged and steam is leaking from it and making the noise. We replaced it and while returning we discussed about the types of sounds, how to inspect and their solutions, which we made it to you below in the form of article.
In this article we will explain about different noises your water heater may make, reasons why they occur, and how you can identify and fix them.
Why Is My Water Heater Making Noise?
If your water heater is running good but suddenly or occasionally making an unusual noise, it’s important inspect it and do not ignore it. Noise from a water heater often indicates sediment buildup, leaks or even high pressure which can lead to inefficiencies or even make it worse. inspecting and fixing these noises promptly can help maintain the longevity and save you from spending high amounts of time and money later when it makes worse.
Types of Noises from a Water Heater
Water heaters can produce a variety of noises, each of which can be caused due to specific reasons. The most common noises include:
- Hissing Noise
- Whistling Noise
- Popping/crackling/ticking Noise
- Rumbling/rattling/knocking Noise
Let’s learn and understand the reasons and their solutions of each of these noises below.
1. Hissing Noise
What is a Hissing Noise?
A Water heater hissing noise is a continuous and soft sound, like air escaping from a tire or a sound of the snake. It is often heard when the water heater is in operation.
What are the reasons of Hissing Noise?
Hissing noises in a water heater can be caused by few different factors:
- Condensation(Normal): When its raining outside or too cold the condensation occurs and water drops formed in the flue pipe and comes down towards the burner. These condensed water droplets when touch the hot surfaces near the burner they turn into steam with hissing sound. Condensation also occurs when we use high amounts of hot water.
- Leaks(Serious): A small leak in the water heater tank or one of its valve which cause water or steam to leak from it causing a hissing noise.
- High Temperature and Pressure(Moderate): When water is heated to high temperatures the pressure inside the tank increases and if it goes beyond the limit the excess pressure is released through the pressure relief valve by making hissing noise
How to Fix the Hissing Noise?
- Check for Leaks: Inspect the water heater for any visible signs of leaks. If a leak is detected, it is important to seal or repair the leak promptly. A small leak can quickly worsen and lead to more significant problems, similar to how a small hole in a water balloon can eventually cause it to burst when under pressure.
- Lower the Temperature: Reducing the water temperature slightly can minimize steam production, which may help reduce the hissing sound.
2. Whistling Noise
What Is a Whistling Noise?
A whistling noise is a high-pitched sound that can be quite loud. It’s similar to the sound a tea kettle makes when the water inside it begins to boil.
What Causes the Whistling Noise?
Whistling noises in a water heater are often caused by:
- Pressure Build-up: When the pressure inside the water heater exceeds the normal levels, the pressure relief valve may release some of it, resulting in a whistling noise.
- Loose Connections: If there are loose valves or connections, air might escape through these openings, creating a whistling sound.
- Blocked pipes: When inlet, outlet or may even gas pipes are partially blocked due to some deposits or debris, water is forced through these narrow openings, it can create sizzling, screeching, or whistling sounds. Sometimes partial opening the gas valve can also cause the whistling noise.
- Blocked Vent: In gas water heaters, a blocked vent pipe can prevent gases from escaping efficiently, causing a whistling noise.
How to Fix the Whistling Noise?
- Inspect the Pressure Relief Valve: check whether the pressure relief valve is functioning correctly. If it’s malfunctioning, it may need to be replaced to prevent dangerous pressure build-up.
- Tighten Connections: Check all the connections and valves around the water heater. Tightening any loose parts can stop the whistling noise.
- Clear the Blocked pipes: Get a stethoscope and listen to the sound from where they are coming and try to clean or replace the pipe. If it is related to gas pipes, we need to call a professional to repair it.
- Clear the Vent: If you have a gas water heater, make sure the vent pipe is clear of obstructions, such as debris or nests. A blocked vent can prevent gases from escaping, causing the whistling sound.
3. Popping Noise
What Is a Popping Noise?
A popping/crackling/ticking noise sounds like small explosions or the popping of popcorn. This noise is most often heard when the water heater is actively heating water.
What Causes the Popping Noise?
The popping noise is typically caused by sediment buildup in the water heater:
- Sediment Layer: As mentioned earlier, minerals in the water can settle at the bottom of the tank over time forming sediment layer. When the heating element heats the water, the sediment traps water underneath it. As the water heats, it turns into steam and tries to escape, creating a popping noise.
- Overheating: If the water heater is set to a very high temperature, it can cause the water to boil rapidly, leading to popping noises.
Impact of Sediment Buildup
Sediment buildup can have several negative impacts on your water heater:
- Reduced Efficiency: Sediment acts as an insulator, making it harder for the heating element to heat the water. This reduces the efficiency of the water heater and increases energy consumption.
- Potential Damage: Over time, sediment can harden and cause damage to the tank and other components. In severe cases, it can lead to the failure of the water heater.
How to Fix the Popping Noise?
- Flush the Tank: Regularly flushing the tank to remove mineral scales is important. If your water heater is less than five years old or is regularly maintained and flushed every 1 or 2 years, you can flush it yourself following a proper guide. However, if the tank hasn’t been flushed in the first five years of its use, it’s recommended not to flush it yourself as this could cause more problems than it solves.
- Install a Water Softener: If you live in an area with hard water (water with high mineral content), installing a water softener can help reduce the amount of sediment that builds up in your water heater.
- Adjust the Thermostat: Lowering the temperature on your water heater can prevent it from overheating and reduce the chances of hearing popping noises.
4. Rumbling Noise
What Is a Rumbling Noise?
A rumbling/rattling/knocking noise is a deep, low sound that might resemble the noise of thunder or a train in the distance. It can be quite alarming and is often a sign of significant sediment buildup.
What Causes the Rumbling Noise?
Several factors can cause a rumbling noise in a water heater:
- Sediment Build-up: When sediment accumulates and hardens, large chunks may form and move around inside the tank, especially when the water is heated. These chunks can cause rumbling sounds as they bump against the walls of the tank.
- Old Water Heater: If your water heater is old, the internal components might be wearing out, leading to unusual noises like rumbling. This is a sign that it might be time to consider replacing the water heater.
How to Fix the Rumbling Noise?
- Flush the Tank: As with popping noises, draining and flushing the tank to remove sediment can help eliminate rumbling sounds.
- Consider a Replacement: If your water heater is more than 10-15 years old and making rumbling noises, it might be nearing the end of its lifespan. In this case, replacing the water heater might be the best solution.
Conclusion:
Above all water heater making noises are the regularly occurring ones from which some are serious which should be addressed as soon as possible and some are moderately serious which should be done in a week. If you hear something strange noise which is not listed above please comment below, so we can help you in solving the situation. Not only this topic if you ask us anything related to water heaters.
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