Listen Up Why Your Water Heater is Making So Many Weird Noises
Have you ever been startled by unexpected rumbling, popping, or hissing sounds coming from your water heater? If so, you’re not alone! Our water heaters work tirelessly behind the scenes, ensuring we have hot water for showers, cleaning dishes, and laundry. However, when they start making strange sounds, it could indicate signs you need a new water heater. That is why many homeowners listen to these sounds with dread and wonder if they signify an impending water heater replacement or a simple maintenance issue. Understanding how different types of sounds are specific to possible problems can help you figure out if your water heater age has reached its sell-by date.
In this post, we’ll discuss the common reasons why your water heater might be making weird noises, explain the signs you need a new one, and when you should consider getting a replacement. If you have old water heaters, knowing when to seek a replacement can save you time and money down the line. We’ll also provide helpful tips on securing heater quotes to help you make informed decisions about your home. So, let’s listen up and learn what those sounds really mean! Watch the video to learn more about strange water heater noises.
Look who’s talking! Are you listening? If you’ve been hearing a number of weird or even creepy noises around your house, rest assured that you’re not going crazy. Although it might seem like your house is haunted, there’s a good chance that your water heater is the true culprit.
Your home’s plumbing system is made up of a pretty complex network of pipes and appliances, such as your water heater. While it’s perfectly normal for plumbing systems to make some level of noise, strange noises may indicative of serious problems on the horizon. When in doubt, it’s always best to rely on the expertise of professional plumbers, but here are a few reasons why water heaters often make weird noises:
Snap, crackle, and popping off
Does your water heater sound like it’s ready to pop off? Or maybe it sounds like it’s ready to rumble? These sounds are usually caused by a build up of calcium and line sediment on the heating elements inside the tank. When not in use, the build up traps water beneath the heating elements. When the water is heated, the crackling or popping noise is made as it’s forced through the sediment deposits. Older units with thick deposit layers are typically louder. The best solution is to have the tank professional cleaned or opt for total water heat replacement.
Knock, knock
If you can hear knocking or hammering sounds coming from your water heater, the internal pipes could be to blame. If water entering or leaving the water heater’s tank is suddenly shut off, the pipes can move and hit the interior walls or studs of the tank. Although the sound may be somewhat alarming, it’s not necessarily damaging to your water heater. A water hammer arrestor can be installed to prevent this sound and protect the interior of the tank from any possible damage.
Singing off key
When water heaters make screeching, screaming, or singing sounds, the cause is usually water under pressure being forced through a small opening. Maybe a valve hasn’t been completely opened at either the water heater or another outlet such as bathroom sink. Be sure to check all the valves in your water lines in order to make sure they are properly opened.
The worst thing you can do when it comes to water heater noises is to ignore them and hope they go away. It’s always best to err on the side of caution and call your local plumber when in doubt. Regular plumbing system and water heater maintenance can help you save time and money on otherwise avoidable repairs.