Every appliance in your home, including the sump pump, furnace, and water heater, will produce certain sounds when it’s in operation. However, some sounds are alarming and require help from a licensed plumber. Today, Mr. Rooter Plumbing looks into the four common water heater sounds and what they mean. This blog post will help you differentiate between normal operational noises and those that indicate a serious problem.
Rumbling Noise
This is a common water heater sound that’s associated with sediment buildup at the bottom of the storage tank. Sediment buildup is a normal occurrence in homes with hard and unfiltered water. The rumbling noise is often steam escaping through the sediment. This is a fairly simple problem and can be resolved by draining your water heater tank. You should drain your hot water heater tank once or twice a year to prevent sediment buildup, improve heating efficiency, and extend the lifespan of the heater.
How To Drain A Water Heater
Step 1: Turn off the power and water supply.
Step 2: Connect a garden hose to the drain valve located near the bottom of the water.
Step 3: Open the drain valve and let the water flow out through the hose.
Step 4: Once the tank is empty, turn on the cold water supply back on to stir up any remaining sediment.
Step 5: Close the drain valve once the tank is completely drained and the water runs clear.
Step 6: Refill the tank and restore power.
Humming Noise
A humming sound coming from your water heater is an indication of a loose heating element. Your water heater’s heating element may become loose due to normal wear and tear or thermal expansion and contraction. The solution to this problem is to tighten the loose heating element. Of course, this is not the kind of job you should handle yourself. Call a professional plumber in Cayce, SC to fix the problem and restore proper functioning.
Sizzling or Hissing Noise
This sound is commonly associated with electric water heaters. A slight hissing sound occasionally should not be a cause for alarm, but persistent hissing indicates a faulty heating element. There’s probably something obstructing the system’s heating element. It could be sediment covering the heating element or a break in the element itself. Call a technician specializing in water heater repair to inspect your water heater and eliminate the noise. Do not attempt DIY repairs if you’re not a trained plumber.
Ticking or Clicking Noise
A ticking or clicking noise coming from your water heater can cause panic, but it’s not as alarming as loud banging sounds. It’s often related to a sudden change in water pressure. This may happen when a valve is quickly opened or closed, or when the water heater cycles on and off. The solution to this problem is simple—call a plumber to secure loose pipes or install a water hammer arrestor to absorb the shock of sudden pressure changes.
Facing Water Heater Troubles? Mr. Rooter Plumbing Is Here To Help
Odd noises coming from a water heater can be frustrating, but with the right plumber on your side, all of your water heater problems can be solved. If you find yourself in need of water heater repair, you can trust the plumbers at Mr. Rooter Plumbing to provide reliable services. Our plumbers have years of experience resolving a wide range of water heater problems and are familiar with the workings of various water heater models and brands. We are a phone call away when you need reliable and budget-friendly water heater services.
