If your water heater is making strange noises, it may be time for an inspection. Some of these sounds don’t indicate anything serious, but this isn’t something you should ignore or try to diagnose yourself. Call a professional plumber if you notice any of the following sounds coming from your hot water heater:
Humming
Humming sounds are normal if you have an electric water heater. Water heating systems have vertical heating elements which loosen over time. When this happens, they create a humming sound, and you can resolve the problem by tightening the heating elements.
Another possibility is sediment accumulation. When water is not drained from the system regularly, residue builds up and causes the pipes to vibrate, creating a humming noise.
If the humming noise is constant or loud, it could be a sign of a problem with the hot water system.
Knocking or Hammering Noises
When mineral deposits collect at the tank’s bottom, water becomes trapped under the residue. As water heats, it produces steam, and water bubbles move the sediments in the tank, creating a hammering or knocking noise. Always flush your tank to remove the residue because sediment can cause overheating and deteriorates the tank.
Gurgling, Cracking or Popping Noises
Rust, mineral build-up, and sediment deposits in the water tank cause gurgling, cracking, or popping noises in your hot water system. These noises might be caused by water forcing its way through sediment layers or the water tank heating.
Screeching or Screaming Noises
If your water heater is making screeching sounds, it could be due to a partially closed or faulty valve. When the water valves are partially closed, it causes obstruction. Water struggles to pass through smaller openings leading to a spike in pressure and a high-pitched sound. Opening the valves on the inlet hoses could help fix this immediately.
Kicking or Tapping Noises
Wondering why your new hot water system is making kicking or tapping noises? If the noise begins as soon as the hot water is switched on, this is the tank contracting and expanding. Also, deposit build-up could cause kicking and tapping sounds.
Bubbling Noises
Even though bubbling on its own shouldn’t be a cause for concern, sometimes this can be an indication of mineral accumulation in your system. The sediment in your water heater may result in high utility costs as they decrease its efficiency and create leaks and issues because of clogging.
Conclusion
A well-maintained hot water system will save you money because you will spend less money on major repairs that you could have avoided. Luckily, your hot water system can give you early warning signs that you should pay attention to. Always call a trusted plumber to advise you accordingly. If you notice this, contact a professional since only a licensed plumber can give you advice on what to do.
