The type of noise your water heater is making can possibly give you a hint as to which type of problem exists. There are many different noises, and while some could just be normal operational noises, others can mean there are significant problems.
The Different Sounds You May Hear
If you hear a humming, it can mean that the water flowing through the tank is flowing around the element. Simply tightening the element can prove to be the solution you need.
A whistling water heater might have a loose drain valve or the water temperature is too high. A sizzling sound could be a condensation issue if the gas water heater’s burner is on or a serious leak issue if the burner is off.
Restricted water flow can sometimes create a sizzling sound so check your temperature and pressure (T&P)relief valve.
If you hear a rumbling noise, it can be due to the heated water traveling through sediment build up on the bottom of the water heater. Water absorbs minerals as it travels through the ground. Those minerals carbonate when heated and create limescale in the water tank.
That is why it is important that you flush your water heater annually.
When your water heater makes a popping sound, its boiling water underneath the sediment. In this case, the sediment slows the heat transfer from the gas burner to the water. This creates steam bubbles under the sediment, hence the popping noise.
These steam bubbles cause the water heater to overheat and damage the inner lining creating a dangerous leak!
If you recognize your water heater making strange noises, your best bet is to reach out to our Las Vegas plumbing experts to determine what steps come next. At Pure Plumbing, we’ve got you covered.
Call us today for a free estimate: (702) 710-7388.
