You depend on your water heater for many household tasks and daily activities, and you want it to work correctly when you need it. Unfortunately, your water heater is likely to make unusual noises from time to time, especially as it ages. While this can instantly raise concerns, many of these sounds can be easily remedied with simple maintenance. Others may require more extensive repairs.
Either way, it’s helpful to understand precisely what these noises are, their causes, and common fixes.
Thermal Expansion
The metal in your water heater expands when it heats and contracts when it cools. This can cause the metal to make popping, tapping, or ticking sounds. This is a normal occurrence, but if the noise persists or becomes excessively loud, it may be due to a loose component that requires attention.
Sediment Buildup
Minerals, dirt, and other debris can settle at the bottom of your water heater’s tank. This forms a layer of sediment, which traps water underneath it. As the water expands, it pushes against the sediment layer, creating pressure. If that pressure is high enough, the trapped water can become steam and form bubbles. When these bubbles burst through the sediment layer, you’ll hear popping and rumbling noises. That rumbling may also be from the sediment itself shifting and vibrating as the water heats and expands.
The Heating Element
The heating element in an electric water heater heats the water by transferring heat. If the element is loose, it can vibrate and produce a humming noise as the water flows around it. This is especially true when the element is energized and heating the water.
In addition to the heating element, other parts inside the water heater can loosen over time. This creates similar humming noises as they vibrate against the tank and other components.
High Water Pressure
Water heaters have a pressure relief valve that releases excess pressure, which prevents damage to the tank. When the water pressure is too high, the valve can open and close frequently. This creates a popping or whistling sound as it releases steam. Sediment buildup in the tank can contribute to pressure relief valve problems, causing it to malfunction and make louder noises.
Leaks in the Tank
Once a tank starts to corrode, water may leak out onto the floor. Since the water is very hot, you may hear a sizzling noise as it strikes a cooler surface.
Water Heater Age
As your water heater ages, a layer of sediment will more than likely develop at the bottom of the tank, resulting in strange noises. Even without excess sediment in the tank, older water heaters can develop issues due to normal wear and tear. This also contributes to the strange sounds you’ll hear. For example, you may begin to notice ticking sounds as the water pressure or mineral buildup fluctuates.
Flushing the tank can remove some of the sediment, but this is usually a temporary fix for old water heaters. If the noises persist or worsen, it may be time to consider a water heater replacement. This is not necessarily a bad thing. Newer models are more energy efficient, have longer lifespans, and quieter operation.
The Anode Rod
The attached anode rod plays an important role in the longevity of your water heater. It’s a sacrificial part inside the tank that attracts minerals that would otherwise corrode the tank. Over time, it deteriorates due to the attached minerals. If the rod experiences severe corrosion or breaks, it can rattle around inside the tank, which produces banging sounds. The anode rod may also break into pieces. These pieces can make noise as they fall and hit the tank.
How to Reduce Water Heater Noises
Many of these noises indicate the need for a water heater repair. You don’t want to ignore them. By not addressing small issues, they can escalate into larger problems, including further damage to the water heater, more costly repairs, and the potential for premature replacement.
We can inspect various parts of your water heater, such as the anode rod, internal valves, and heating element, to pinpoint the source of the noises you hear. By using tools like a stethoscope, we can identify the exact location of those sounds. This is crucial for an effective diagnosis and repair.
If a loose part causes the noise, we can tighten it or replace it if necessary. We may also flush the tank to remove sediment buildup. If we find that the valances are faulty, we can safely and effectively repair or replace them. Furthermore, if your anode rod wears out, we’ll replace it to prevent further issues.
Preventing Water Heater Noises
While our team can repair many water heater issues, it’s always best to prevent them in the first place. In areas with hard water, a water softener can help reduce mineral buildup, which contributes to many of the unusual sounds a water heater can make. You’ll also enjoy other benefits, such as softer hair and skin, cleaner dishes and laundry, and less staining in your tubs and sinks.
Routine water heater maintenance is also important. Scheduling a tune-up annually goes a long way in helping you avoid problems and extending the lifespan of your water heater. If you have hard water, you may need more frequent maintenance. During a tune-up, we flush the tank to remove sediment buildup. This improves performance and helps you avoid damage. We also inspect the anode rod and replace it if necessary.
Most anode rods will last three to five years, depending on the quality of your water. Additionally, we conduct a general inspection. We look for leaks, corrosion, and other potential issues that can lead to unusual noises and necessitate repairs.
Tankless water heaters require regular maintenance, too. This includes flushing the system to remove mineral buildup. The frequency of tankless water heater tune-ups depends on water quality and usage.
Ensure proper installation by always consulting a professional for assistance. Proper installation, which includes having adequate space for expansion and using flexible connections, will minimize the risk of noise. Insulating your pipes will further reduce sound.
Here at AZ Family Plumbing, we offer a wide range of services to help you deal with any noises your water heater may develop. By addressing the root cause of these sounds and performing the necessary water heater repairs, we can ensure it operates quietly and efficiently. If the damage we find is extensive, we may recommend a replacement, which we’ll assist you with.
Whether you need a water heater repair or a new installation, we have extensive experience helping homeowners with their hot water needs. While we specialize in high-end products from American Standard, we can work with all brands and models, including the installation and repair of tankless water heaters. If the reason for your issues is hard water, we also offer quality water softeners. Our ability to assist residents with a range of needs has earned us an A+ rating from the BBB.
Call AZ Family Plumbing in Glendale today for more information.
