Why Does My Water Heater Make Noise?

Why is My Water Heater Making Strange Noises?

It’s late at night, and just when the house has finally settled into a calm quiet, there it is—a faint rumble, a pop, maybe even a hiss. Curiosity overtakes you and you begin to track down the source of these strange sounds. It’s coming from the water heater. While it’s easy to shrug off those strange sounds as harmless, they’re often signs that something might be amiss. Without realizing it, those little noises can sometimes hint at larger issues waiting to surface. In this article we hope to shed some light on these noises, and highlight the common causes associated with these unfamiliar sounds.

Types of Water Heaters and Their Quirks

Cold water goes in, hot water comes out. Although the result of all water heaters are the same, different heaters come with their own set of unique sounds. Having a basic understanding of how your water heater operates can help to identify common sounds you may hear.

Conventional Storage Tank Water Heater

How it Works: These heaters, store and heat large amounts of water in an insulated tank. Inside the tank, there is a heating element (in the form of a gas burner or electric coils) that heats the water to the desired preset temperature. Once the temperature has been reached, the thermostat will shut off the heat. As more hot water is used, cold water will enter the tank, and the process starts again to maintain constant supply of hot water.

Noise Commonly Associated: Overtime the impurities in the water supply, that flows throughout the home, may collect at the bottom of the insulated jacket. When the hot water is in use, the heating element for the tank will begin to heat the cold water, causing the sediment to agitate inside of the tank. Producing a cracking or rumbling noises when in use.

Tankless (On-Demand) Water Heater

How it Works: This type of system heats water directly as it flows through the unit, rather than storing it inside of a tank. When you turn on a hot water tap, cold water will flow through the unit and is quickly heater by either a gas burner or electric coils. This system heats the water as it passes through, allowing continuous hot water without the wait. Since it only heats when in use, tankless water heaters are considered to be more energy efficient than conventional tank type models.

Noises Commonly Associated: Unlike the tank type heater, may not experience cracking from the heat exchanger warming up sediment. Nevertheless, it will experience various noises due to its internal components. Noises such as clicking are common, as it is normally associated with the unit turning on and off, as water stops and starts flowing. However, there are other noises that may require more attention. If you’re hearing a whistling sound, it could be due to restricted airflow or a blockage in the vent. A humming noise is often caused by loose or vibrating components. Both of these sounds may indicate that your system needs some attention.

Understanding these noises matters because they often hint at underlying issues that, if ignored, could lead to bigger repairs or even system failure. Pay attention now could save you from an expensive fix down the road.

Comprehensive Maintenance Tips

Keeping your water heater running quietly and efficiently is key to its longevity and performance. Below are a few maintenance practices that are essential for achieving this!

• Routine Flushing – Sediment build-up can be mitigated by regularly flushing the water heater. Ideally, this process would be performed at least once a year. This not only reduces noise but also enhances the efficiency of the unit.
• Temperature Regulation – Adjusting the temperature setting to an optimal range of 120° to 140° F can reduce sediment formation and consequently noise.
• Regular Inspections – Annual inspections by a professional plumber can catch early signs of wear and prevent noise issues.
• Pressure Valve Check – Making sure that the pressure relief valve is functioning correctly can prevent dangerous pressure build-ups and associated noises.
• Softening Water – If you have hard water, using a water softener can reduce mineral buildup, thereby minimizing the potential for noise.

When to Opt for Water Heater Replacement

While regular maintenance helps, some signs may suggest your water heater may be reaching the end of its service life. Here are a couple of things to consider if you feel your water heater is a little “worse for wear”.

• Lifespan Considerations – Most water heaters have a lifespan of 10 to 15 years. After this, consider a replacement for efficiency and noise reduction.
• Rust and Corrosion – Discolored water or visible rust indicates internal corrosion, suggesting the need for replacement.
• Leakage Issues – Any signs of leakage are a clear indicator that the water heater might need to be replaced.
• Inconsistent Heating – Fluctuation in water temperatures or inadequate heating are signs of a failing water heater.
• Persistent Noises – If the noise issues persist despite regular maintenance, it may be time to consider a new unit.

Conclusion

Regular maintenance can extend your water heater’s lifespan, but certain signs clearly indicate it’s reaching the end of its service life. Recognizing these early can help avoid unexpected breakdowns and costly repairs. If you need help with maintenance or replacing your water heater, reach out to Specialty Plumbing. Our expert team is ready to assist and get your plumbing running smoothly again.

Your Go-To Plumbing Services in north DFW

Specialty Plumbing is a family-owned and operated company proudly serving North DFW, including Celina, Frisco, McKinney, Plano, Allen,  and Prosper, and surrounding areas. Our team is committed to providing exceptional customer service because we understand that plumbing issues can arise unexpectedly. Our mission is to resolve them swiftly and efficiently! Reach out to us today, for any plumbing service you need, and witness our commitment to excellence firsthand!

At Specialty Plumbing we love to empower our clients with general knowledge of their plumbing systems! If you have any questions on a topic, please feel free to reach out. We’re here to continue creating content that educates you further on your plumbing system.

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