When your trusty water heater starts making unfamiliar sounds, it’s not just an annoyance—it could be a sign of underlying issues that need immediate attention. Various sounds, from banging and popping to screeching and hissing, can emanate from your water heater, and understanding why can help you diagnose and possibly prevent costly repairs in your Edwardsville, IL home.
Sediment Build-up
One of the most common reasons for a noisy water heater is sediment build-up. Over time, minerals from hard water accumulate at the bottom of the tank. This sediment layer gets heated and reheated, eventually hardening and causing popping or rumbling sounds as water bubbles through it. This not only creates noise but also reduces the efficiency of your heater, forcing it to work harder and use more energy to heat the same amount of water. Flushing the tank annually is a recommended maintenance practice to clear out this sediment and prevent the noise and other related problems.
Heating Element Issues
If you have an electric water heater and you’re hearing a hissing or sizzling sound, it might be due to a malfunctioning heating element. This can occur if the element starts burning out or if there’s a small amount of water leaking onto it. When the element heats the water and encounters any obstruction, such as sediment or a leak, it can create these sounds. Checking the elements for damage and ensuring they are fully submerged in water can often resolve this issue.
Water Pressure Fluctuations
Strange noises can also be caused by issues with water pressure. If the pressure inside your water heater is too high, it can lead to banging or knocking sounds. These sounds occur because the pressure causes the tank to rapidly expand and contract. Installing a pressure-reducing valve or checking the pressure settings can help mitigate these noises and reduce stress on your water heater, prolonging its life.
Faulty Plumbing Connections
Sometimes, the culprit is not the water heater itself, but the plumbing connected to it in your Edwardsville, IL home. If fittings are not tight or if the pipes are not properly secured, they can make ticking or tapping sounds as they expand and contract with the heat of the water. Ensuring that all connections are secure and adding cushioning where pipes meet walls or other hard surfaces can help quiet these noises.
Valve Issues
A less common but possible source of noise is the temperature and pressure relief valve. If this valve is not functioning properly, it may make a whistling sound as pressure escapes. It’s crucial to address this promptly, as a malfunctioning valve poses a significant safety risk.
If you live in Edwardsville, IL and you are looking for a company to inspect your water heater and make repairs, contact Dixon Heating & Cooling today.