Why Your Water Heater Is Making Noise

7/12/2022 (Permalink)

What does it mean when your water heater starts making mysterious noises?

Why Is Your Water Heater Noisy?

Your water heater may have started as a strange popping sound and eventually progressed to popping plus an ominous rumble. What does it mean when your water heater starts making mysterious noises? While loose elements and heat traps can account for some of the sounds you may hear, the most likely explanation is that you have sediment build-up inside your tank and it’s time to call a professional in Vinco, PA, to flush them out. Ignoring sediment build-up can lead to serious problems, such as:

• Decreased energy efficiency
• Sediment coming out of faucets
• Decreased water pressure
• Burst water pipes
• Water heater failure
  
  

Many manufacturers recommend getting a water heater flush every year, but how often it actually needs to be done depends on the water in your region.

What Causes the Noise?

When sediments collect around the element, they can trap water below them. When the water is heated, it makes a popping or crackling noise as it bubbles up through the sediments. As more sediment collects, it can get mixed around by the water flow inside your tank, causing a rumbling sound. If you notice these or other unusual sounds, especially when you haven’t noticed them before, it’s an indication that your tank needs to be serviced.

Where Does Sediment Come From?

Most sediment build-up is a result of minerals found in the water supply. If you have hard water, lime deposits build up in your tank over time, creating a sediment layer on the bottom that interferes with heating the water inside the tank. In some areas, the municipal water supply carries sediment in it, and this can also build up in your tank.

If you’re not sure what water quality is like in Vinco, PA, it’s better to err on the side of caution and have your water heater flushed annually to avoid the damage sediment build-up can cause.