Quick Answer: Why Do Water Heaters Make Noise?
In most cases, water heater noises are caused by sediment buildup, loose components, pressure changes, or faulty valves. While occasional noises are normal, persistent hissing, popping, banging, or screeching sounds usually indicate your heater needs maintenance.
Some common noises and causes include:
- Popping/rumbling → Likely caused by sediment buildup in the tank
- Hissing/crackling → Can occur because of moisture or leaks on elements
- Banging/knocking → Results from a water hammer in the pipes
- Humming → May indicate a loose heating element that’s vibrating
- Screeching/whistling → Points to faulty or loose valves
- Ticking/clicking → Could result from thermal expansion or cycling parts
- Gurgling/sloshing → Results from trapped water flow
7 Common Water Heater Noises Explained (and How to Fix Them)
If strange sounds emanate from your water heater and you want to try to fix them yourself, you can try a few simple steps. However, you should call for help from our punctual plumbers at Benjamin Franklin in Niceville if these tips don’t solve the issue.
1. Popping or Rumbling
Popping or rumbling sounds are among the most common water heater noises that people notice. These sounds are caused by sediment buildup, leading to uneven heating.
The sediment can react with your heating element, causing popping or rumbling sounds. If left unresolved, sediment buildup can decrease your water heater’s efficiency and lead to higher bills. Over time, it can also damage your tank.
To fix this issue, drain and flush the tank. Use a water softener if you experience problems with hard water. If these approaches don’t work, our plumbers can help.
2. Hissing or Crackling
Occasional hissing or crackling sounds are normal if you have an electric water heater. However, if you hear these sounds frequently, you might need to drain the tank to check for anything that might be blocking the water heater’s heating element.
For gas water heaters, crackling noises can occur because of excess moisture. If you see water pooled around the water heater’s base, you should call one of our plumbers.
Even gas water heaters have electrical parts, so leaks are dangerous. Other risks include corrosion or the burnout of the heater’s heating element.
To fix the problem, drain the tank and inspect the valves or heating element.
3. Banging or Knocking
Banging or knocking sounds from your water heater can indicate that your unit is experiencing a water hammer. This is a shock wave that results when the water supply is turned off, such as by a sudden valve closure or loose pipes, causing the pressure to spike as water suddenly flows through the pipes again.
The risks of water hammer include loud noise disturbances and pipe damage. The sudden increase in pressure can cause your pipes to burst.
To fix this problem, install water hammer arrestors and/or secure the pipes. Our plumbers can also drain your tank and investigate whether you are experiencing water hammer.
4. Humming or Vibrations
A humming noise or vibrations coming from your water heater can indicate that its heating element is loose and vibrating. This can cause premature wear on the heating element.
To fix this issue, tighten or replace the water heater’s heating element.
5. Screeching or Whistling
Whistling or screeching noises are typically caused by partially closed or failing valves releasing pressure. The risks include a buildup of pressure and leaks.
To fix this issue, check the inlet/outlet valves and temperature valves to look for leaks. You can also replace the relief valve.
6. Ticking or Clicking
Ticking or clicking noises typically happen because of thermal expansion in the pipes or cycling heating elements. These sounds are usually harmless. However, they can worsen over time.
To fix this issue, add insulation around your water heater to keep it from moving. Check your unit’s expansion tank.
7. Gurgling or Sloshing
Gurgling or sloshing sounds are often caused by air pockets in your tank or a partially blocked flow. This can lead to a risk of a reduction in heating efficiency with increased bills.
To fix this problem, flush the tank and check the venting.
When Are Water Heater Noises Normal?
Not all water heater sounds require attention. For example, mild ticking or humming can be normal. However, if you hear persistent, loud, or worsening sounds, your water heater needs attention.
If you hear noises combined with foul odors, leaks, or a low hot water output, you should call a plumber at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing.
Preventive Maintenance to Keep Your Water Heater Quiet
To keep your water heater quiet, take the following steps:
- Flush the tank annually (more often in areas with hard water).
- Replace the anode rod when needed.
- Test the temperature and pressure relief valves.
- Install a water softener or filter.
When to Call a Professional
The following signs should prompt you to call one of our reliable plumbers:
- Loud or repeated banging or popping noises after flushing
- Hissing paired with visible leaks
- A constantly noisy heater that’s 10 or more years old
- Safety concerns about gas lines or pressure
FAQs About Water Heater Noises
Is it dangerous if my water heater is making popping sounds?
Popping sounds are common noises with water heaters. While these sounds don’t indicate danger, they can mean you have sediment buildup in your tank that’s reacting with your heating element. Failing to address the issue can lead to inefficiency and tank damage.
How often should I flush my water heater?
At a minimum, you should flush your water heater once per year. However, if you have hard water, you should flush it more often.
Do tankless water heaters make noise, too?
While tankless water heaters are typically quieter than tank units, they can still make noise. If they hiss, bang, rumble, or make other odd sounds, they need maintenance.
Can I fix water heater noises myself, or do I need a plumber?
It’s best to call a plumber for help with water heater noises.
Key Takeaways:
Water heater noises are early warning signs.- The 7 common sounds are linked to sediment, pressure, or mechanical issues.
- Regular flushing and maintenance prevent most noise problems.
Get Fast Water Heater Repair From Benjamin Franklin Plumbing
Noisy water heaters aren’t always dangerous, but they shouldn’t be ignored. At Benjamin Franklin Plumbing, our punctual plumbers serve Niceville, Florida, and the surrounding areas. We offer an on-time guarantee and a 100% customer satisfaction guarantee.
If your water heater is making unusual noises, call Benjamin Franklin Plumbing for expert water heater repairs.