Water Heater Making Noise
If you’ve been hearing strange noises coming from your water heater, you’re not alone. Many people experience this issue and wonder what it means. This guide will discuss the most common sounds that water heaters make and what they mean for homeowners.
We will also provide some tips on how to fix the problem if it arises. So, if you’re hearing weird noises coming from your water heater, keep reading.
5 Common Water Heater Noises
A water heater can make a variety of strange noises, but some are more common than others. Here are five of the most common water heater noises and what they mean:
1. Banging/Rumbling
When a water heater makes this sound, it usually means that sediment has built up, causing the metal to vibrate. This can be dangerous, as it can eventually lead to a heater failure.
When enough sediment accumulates, the water heater’s burner can no longer generate a hot flame to ignite the gas. This will cause your water heater to turn off, and you’ll likely hear a banging noise as it does.
- Solution: If you're experiencing this problem, have a professional clean out your water heater. They will be able to remove the sediment that's causing the issue. You can also try draining your water heater to get rid of some of that sediment. Just be sure not to do this too often, as it will wear out your heater over time and shorten its lifespan.
2. Popping Sounds
If your water heater is making popping noises, it’s likely due to the expansion and contraction of metal parts as they heat and cool. This is normal behavior for a water heater and usually doesn’t indicate any problems.
However, if you’re hearing this sound more frequently than usual or if other strange noises accompany it, then it may be indicative of a bigger issue, and you should call a professional immediately.
- Solution: If the popping noises are minor, there’s an easy solution to this problem. Just turn up your thermostat and wait for the tank to heat back up again. This will cause pressure inside of it to increase, which should stop any more popping sounds from occurring. If you suspect that there are other issues at play here, then call a professional plumber as soon as possible.
3. Crackling/Hissing
If you’ve ever heard a hissing sound coming from your water heater, it’s probably because there are air bubbles in the tank. When these air bubbles burst, they make a crackling or fizzing noise that can be quite loud.
The good news is that this isn’t usually something to worry about—it just means there are air bubbles in the tank. These sounds can be caused by high levels of minerals such as calcium carbonate or magnesium sulfate that have been dissolved into your water supply.
If you find yourself hearing crackling noises often when using a hot tap, it’s likely due to scale buildup inside the pipes, which causes them to expand and contract as they heat up then cool down again.
- Solution: Check the valve at the bottom of your tank to make sure it's open. This will allow water and air to escape from the tank, which should stop the noise from happening. If this doesn't work or if you hear other strange noises as well, call a professional to take a look at your water heater.
4. Ticking
It’s pretty alarming to hear a ticking sound coming from your water heater, as it usually means that there is a problem with the heating elements. This noise can be caused by a variety of issues, such as loose connections or faulty thermostats.
If you’re hearing this sound, it’s important to call a professional right away. Failing to address the issue could result in a fire hazard due to overheated wires or other components that are causing this noise.
- Solution: If you have an electric water heater, then check your circuit breaker box for any blown fuses or tripped breakers that may need to be reset. If this doesn't work, then call a plumber as soon as possible. A ticking noise coming from your hot water heater could indicate an electrical problem, so don't wait around too long before getting help if you start hearing this sound.
5. Screeching/Whistling
A gas water heater screeching or whistling sound coming from your hot water heater can be caused by a number of things.
If you’re hearing a high-pitched screeching or whistling noise, it’s likely because there is something wrong with the fan that circulates the hot water. This could be due to a number of issues such as:
Broken belt
If the belt that drives the fan is broken, it will cause a screeching noise.
Loose or dirty blades
If the blades on the fan are loose or dirty, they can cause a whistling noise as they spin around.
Bad bearings
If the bearings inside of the fan are worn out, it can cause a high-pitched screeching noise.
- Solution: If you're hearing a screeching or whistling noise, the best thing to do is turn off your water heater until you can get it fixed. This will prevent any further damage from being done to the fan and will also save on your energy bills. If you're comfortable doing so, you can try to fix the problem yourself by checking the belt, blades, and bearings on the fan. If they're all clean and in good condition, then it's likely that the problem is with the motor itself. In this case, you'll need to call a professional to have it fixed.
6. Sizzling Sounds
The hissing or sizzling sound coming from a water heater can be caused by many different things. This could be due to a variety of issues such as:
Cracks within the tank itself
Cracks inside of your water heater’s tank can cause leaks and create sizzling sounds when they come into contact with water.
Loose connections at pipes or fittings
Leaks from loose connections will often make their presence known with a sizzling noise.
- Solution: If you hear these sounds, it's important to turn off your water heater and call a professional right away. A leak in your water heater can cause serious damage not only to the unit itself but also to your home. This could lead to costly repairs down the road if it's not fixed immediately.
How to Prevent Water Heater Making Noise
In order to prevent any of the above-mentioned noises from happening, it’s important to perform regular maintenance on your water heater. This includes:
- Checking the valves and fittings for leaks - If you notice any leaks, make sure to fix them right away.
- Cleaning the sediment from the bottom of the tank - This can be done by flushing the tank with a garden hose every few months.
- Replacing the sacrificial anode rod - This should be done every two to three years, depending on the make and model of your water heater.
If you’re not comfortable doing any of this maintenance yourself, then it’s best to contact a professional for help.
Frequently Asked Questions
1
Is it normal for a water heater to make noise?
While water heaters can make some noise, it’s not normal for them to make the kinds of noises described above. These are indications that something is wrong and needs to be fixed as soon as possible.
2
What should I do if my water heater is making noise?
If your water heater is making noise, the best thing to do is turn it off until you can get it fixed. This will prevent any further damage from being done and will also save on your energy bills.
3
How do you know if your water heater is going to explode?
There is no definitive answer to this question. However, if you’re hearing strange or loud noises coming from your water heater, it’s a good indication that something is wrong and that it may be in danger of exploding. In this case, it’s best to turn it off and call a professional for help.
4
What does a bad water heater sound like?
A bad water heater can sound in a variety of different ways, depending on the issue that’s causing it to malfunction. Common sounds include screeching, whistling, sizzling, and bubbling.
5
Does closing the door on my water heater help with noise?
No, this will not help with noise. Instead, it will only increase the risk of fire and carbon monoxide poisoning by trapping all of those gases inside your home.
Hopefully, this guide has helped you to better understand the various noises that your water heater may be making and what they might mean. If you’re ever in doubt about what a particular noise means or what to do about it, always consult with a professional.