Common Causes of a Noisy Water Heater

If you’re wondering why your water heater is noisy, you’re not alone.  If it has always been noisy from day one, you probably don’t have much to worry about. Are you just noticing the sounds now? It could indicate a problem that needs to be remedied! Go one step further by viewing more information on Water Heater Repair and Replacement with Robins, today.

Seven Reasons You May Have a Noisy Water Heater

1. Sediment Buildup and Mineral Deposits

   Tank-style water heaters store water inside of them and heat that water to the desired temperature. Over time,that water will leave mineral deposits and sediment in the tank of the water heater. Similarly, if you boil a pot of water, you will see the mineral deposits remain on the interior of the pot even after you dump all of the water out.

   Now, imagine that process every single day for years on end. If your water heater isn’t flushed and drained on an annual basis for maintenance, then you very likely have several inches or more of sediment built up on the bottom of your water heater, along with mineral deposits on your internal components. Too much sediment and mineral deposits can make popping noises. Sediment can build up into a rock like substance at the bottom of your water heater, making it impossible to drain and flush.

   If you hear a rumbling sound from your water heater, it is usually a sign that the sediment buildup at the bottom has reached critical mass. The rumbling sound is often the water escaping from under and around the sediment as the water temperature rises. This is often an indication that your water heater is past its lifespan, and you should consider replacing it before the tank ruptures.

2. Elements Need Replacing

   If you’re hearing a crackling, sizzling, hissing or popping noise from your electric water heater, it doesn’t always mean it needs replacing. Sediment and minerals collect on the internal components of your water heater, such as the elements, and are responsible for making those cracking and sizzling noises. Elements are replaceable, so if the threaded section is still in good shape and your water heater is not past it’s life expectancy, replacing your elements can be a viable repair option.

3. Water Flow Restrictions

   If you hear a hissing sound it is usually a sign that there is a restriction of water flow to your water heater. One cause of restricted water flow can be that the emergency shut-off valve to your water heater is not on all of the way; this is common with gate valve styles shut-off valves, as the gate partially shuts and restricts water flow. This is also common if the water was shut off to your water heater and someone didn’t turn the valve back on all of the way.

   Another common cause of restricted water flow is a kinked water supply line to your heater. This can be easily spotted if you follow the water inlet for your water heater and make sure there are no kinks in the flex line.

4. Heat Trap Nipples

   A ticking or tapping sound at your water heater can often be traced to what are known as heat trap nipples. Heat trap nipples keep hot water inside the tank by design, but they can become noisy when water is going through the water heater or if there is a severe fluctuation in pressure. If you hear that tapping noise echoing through your home, you will want to replace your heat trap nipples to eliminate the source of the sound.

5. Temperature and Pressure Relief Valve

   If you hear a hissing noise and it isn’t water flow restriction to your water heater, the next thing to check is the temperature pressure relief valve for your water heater, also known as the T&P valve. The T&P valve is designed to relieve pressure on your water heater if the pressure grows too great for the tank to handle. The temperature in T&P is also important to note — if the temperature grows greater than safe levels, the T&P valve will release the scalding hot water to stop your water heater from exploding. This is a safety mechanism that is very important. If your T&P valve is allowing water to flow through it, we recommend calling our team to come out and fix the problem. Safety isn’t something to take lightly.

6. Leaks and Condensation

   Sizzling is the sound you will hear if you have water dripping on the burner assembly of a gas water heater. This water can come from a leak in the tank or from condensation dripping on the burner assembly. If it is condensation it will stop as the water heater heats up, but if the dripping is coming from a leaking water heater tank, you may need to consider a water heater replacement.

7. Water Hammering

   If you hear a loud banging at your water heater, it usually isn’t coming from your water heater.  Usually it is echoing inside the water heater tank. Water hammers occur when there are sudden pressure fluctuations, causing movement of water to rock back and forth in a sealed system. Water hammers can be tricky to diagnose, partly because sound travels through water in great distances. If you have an annoying water hammer, sound call our team to come out and trace it to its source and fix it.

Services in Phoenix & Beyond

When you’ve found yourself in need of plumbing services in the Phoenix, Glendale, Scottsdale, or Chandler area, you can trust Robins Plumbing to provide you with prompt and expert care, contact our team today! In addition to our toilet services, we also offer a variety of residential and commercial plumbing services, including: drain cleaning, water heater repair and replacement, sewer camera inspection and locating, backflow prevention, commercial and residential jetting, water treatments, and more. Visit our reviews online to see what others have to say about our local plumbing company!