How Do I Stop My Water Heater From Making Noise?
“How do I stop my water heater from making noise?” That’s a question we often hear from our customers. The answer depends on what’s causing the sound in the first place. Here are four of the most likely culprits:
- Sediment in the tank itself.
- Electrical short circuits.
- Changes in water pressure.
- A malfunctioning anode rod.
In this post, we’ll look at each of these problems and offer a potential solution. Please get in touch with Emory Plumbing in San Diego today if you need a professional’s help with the issue.
How Do I Stop My Water Heater from Making Noise? Start By Checking for Sediment
No public water supply is completely free of dirt and granules. Over time, these contaminants can build up inside your water heater, causing banging, rumbling, or exploding sounds.
The simplest way to deal with this problem is to drain the water tank. In fact, this step is recommended by water heater manufacturers for most of their models. Check the product manual or visit the company’s website for details. An Emory water heater technician can also be of help.
How Do I Stop My Water Heater from Making Noise? Call a Professional
All water heaters use electricity, even those that run on gas or oil. If you’ve noticed a crackling or popping sound from your heater, then it’s possible that you’re dealing with an electrical issue.
If so, then it’s important to contact a qualified service technician right away. Trying to fix the problem yourself puts you at risk of electrocution. At Emory, our experts have the specialized training needed to diagnose and correct this issue.
How Do I Stop My Water Heater from Making Noise? Change the Valve Settings
If you hear a ticking noise coming from your water heater, then the problem might be caused by abrupt water pressure changes. Adjusting the heater’s valves often corrects this problem.
Sometimes changes in pressure are impossible to avoid due to irregularities in your city’s water delivery system. This problem can reveal itself by the heater vibrating or banging against the surrounding walls. In such cases, your heater may need clamps or straps to keep it stable. Installing these products is another job that’s best left to an Emory professional.
How Do I Stop My Water Heater from Making Noise? Check the Anode Rod
The anode rod helps to reduce the amount of sediment and harmful bacteria in your water heater. Like all electrical components, it will eventually begin to fail. When it does, you’re likely to notice a popping or clicking sound.
Replacing the anode rod is the only way to deal with this problem. It’s also a good idea to remove any built-up sediment at the same time. Because this repair involves electrical components, we recommend trusting the job to an Emory-trained technician.
Other Possible Causes
When it comes to water heater noise, sometimes the cause is a little harder to detect. If you try the above steps and they don’t work, then other possibilities include:
- A stuck pressure valve – the pressure valve is normally located on the side of the tank. If it’s emitting a screeching or screaming noise, then you may find yourself asking, “why is my water heater making a whistling noise.” If so, then cut off the power supply to the unit and call a plumbing professional immediately. Otherwise, the tank may rupture or even explode.
- Water hammering – this problem is usually accompanied by a banging noise in your plumbing fixtures or pipes. It’s caused by changes in water pressure from outside the home. Correcting the issue may require installing a water hammer arrestor.
- A leaking tank – the only solution for this problem is the installation of a new water heater altogether. Our experts can help you to choose a new model that will provide you with trouble-free service for many years to come. Just give us a call.
Plumbing and Heating Professionals You Can Trust
Since 1944, Emory has served the people of San Diego by providing top-quality plumbing and heating repairs at affordable prices. So if you’re wondering what’s wrong with your water heater or how to stop a baseboard heater from making noise, then we invite you to get in touch with us today.