We tend not to think about our water heaters until there is trouble, and water heater trouble can affect the entire house. One of the common signs of a possible problem is when you hear strange noises, such as popping, ticking or hissing sounds. Ignoring these sounds is one of the worst thing you can do if you want to keep your water heater running. When your water heater starts making a racket, it is time to call a plumber to find out what the problem is before it gets even worse and more expensive to fix.
Common Water Heater Noises
There are a few problems which can cause your water heater to start making strange noises. Some are easily fixed, while others may be alerting you that it may be time for a new unit. Before a small issue becomes a big problem, these sounds should be addressed.
- Popping. You may hear popping noises which start and stop throughout the day. This may be caused by water expanding as it is heated, moving deposits within the heater that have collected. In most cases, regular maintenance and draining the unit will remove the deposits and stop the popping sound.
- Hammering. If it sounds like a carpenter has taken up residence within your home, hammering on your water pipes, you may have pressure building in your water pipes. This can cause damage to your pipes and home, so this should be inspected right away. Often all that is needed is an arrestor installed to manage the pressure changes.
- Rumbling. When deposits are allowed to collect inside your water tank, they can clog the drain, creating a rumbling or gurgling sound as it drains. Regular maintenance and draining can usually fix the issue.
While none of these noises necessarily means that your water heater is failing, if left unchecked, the underlying problem could result in a major breakdown or tank leak. To avoid possible major repairs or expensive water damage, have your water heater regularly maintained by a plumbing professional.
Posted on behalf of Kiddco Plumbing, Inc.
