Why is My Hot Water Heater Making Noises?

Out of sight, out of mind may best describe most people’s relationships with their water heaters. Water heaters provide our homes with hot showers and baths, water for washing dishes and hands, and other small tasks that may go unnoticed in our day-to-day lives. While these appliances aren’t given much thought when working properly, they become top of mind when an issue arises.

Remembering to check and maintain your water heater throughout the year can help to catch small problems before they become bigger issues.

If your water heater is making noises, this may be a good indicator of what’s going on inside. Save on costly water heater repairs by understanding what to look and listen for during regular maintenance. Why is my hot water heater making noises? The following are common water heater sounds and what they could mean:

Popping Is a Sign of Excess Sediment in the Water Heater

Pop, pop, pop! If your hot water heater is making noises, this may be an indication of mineral and sediment buildup at the bottom of the unit. Homes with hard water are especially prone to this issue.

Over time, as calcium, sand, and other minerals build-up at the bottom of a water heater they can trap water below. When the trapped water heats up it produces steam, and as the steam expands pressure builds up within the unit. If the pressure becomes too high, a popping water heater noise will occur. To avoid a water heater failure or explosion, we recommend draining the water heater yearly to remove the minerals and debris.

Screeching Is an Indicator of a Partially Closed Inlet Control Valve

If the hot water heater is making a screeching noise, this is a sign of restricted water flow. The inlet control valve, which controls the water flow, maybe the culprit. If your hot water heater is making a screeching noise, check to make sure the valve is fully open.

Crackling Sounds Are Caused By Excess Condensation on the Burner

When the hot water heater is making a crackling noise, this is an indicator of condensation build-up on the burner. Although the sound may be alarming at first, there is nothing to worry about. Once the condensation evaporates, the crackling sound should stop.

Sizzling Sounds May Indicate a Water Heater Leak

The hot water heater will begin making a sizzling noise if there is a leak. If you notice water pooling on the floor around the water heater, it’s time to call a technician. Unfortunately, a leaking water heater is typically a sign that it’s time for a replacement. We recommend investing in a new energy efficient tank or tankless water heater for your home to restore the flow of warm water.

When the hot water heater is making noises, this may be an indicator of a bigger issues are on the horizon. If your water heater is making any of the noises mentioned above, now is the time to call a trained plumbing repair technician. Make the call before a small repair becomes a total replacement.

Reliable Service You Can Count On

When your hot water heater is making noises call Fenwick Home Services. We offer water heater repair and installation services in Jacksonville, Florida and other areas. In addition, we also offer tankless water heater repair and installation services. You can count on our team for quick, reliable water heater repair and replacement services. Our team also offers other plumbing repair services such as water line repair and gas installation services. Give us a call by phone at 904-217-5694‬ or schedule an appointment online to receive assistance.