Hot water systems occasionally make noises, but some of those noises can be a sign of a significant issue. Your hot water may make some noise while running, which is to be expected. This is particularly true now because winter requires your hot water system to work harder to supply you with the warm water your home needs.
The sounds made by a water heater may not need your attention or any action on your side. Learn about three typical hot water system noises in this article, and remember that Same Day Hot Water Service knowledgeable technicians are always on call to help you with your water heater issues.
3 Common Hot Water System Noises You Should Know
1. Banging/Rumbling
Among the most typical noises from a water heater are banging and rumbling. An excessive buildup of silt typically causes these noises. You may hear small mini-explosions in your water heater tank when enough sediment builds up and interacts with the heating element.
This is typically a reasonably straightforward issue that can be resolved by draining your water heater tank, which you should do once or twice a year (assuming you do not have a tankless system, of course.) Your appliance might be experiencing a “water hammer,” which occurs when your water supply is turned off and suddenly surges back through the pipes.
A water hammer might cause pipes to burst, so you should use the pressure-reducing valve to lower the pressure in your system and stop the noise. You can also call a specialist to check for a water hammer and/or assistance draining your water heater tank.
2. Popping
Popping, similar to banging, is typically a sign of too much sediment in your water heater tank. You could hear the heating element reacting with the alkali in your water. Rust is one of the main reasons for sediment buildup and is brought on by an alkaline abundance of calcium and magnesium.
If you hear this noise, adding a water purification system should allow you to live in an area with hard water, which may also help you decrease rust buildup. Water purification reduces sediment and bacteria buildup while washing your tank.
3. Ticking
When it first begins to tick, your water heater makes an explosive bomb-like noise. Fortunately, the situation is better than it seems. A sudden drop in water pressure is the most common cause of a ticking sound emanating from your water heater.
Find the pressure-reducing valve on your water heater to adjust the pressure setting if you still hear this noise. Consider adding extra straps and insulation to the area around your water heater to prevent it from shifting and being affected by changes in water pressure. If the ticking noise continues, get in touch with a technician.
Conclusion
It is advised to hire a qualified plumber to examine the water heater’s heating components, check valves and burner, and drain the water tank if necessary to eliminate debris.