Why Is My Water Heater Making Noise?

Are you having water heater issues? Call (440) 485-3850 and schedule service professionals from Formica Plumbing & Sewer Co.

Modern homeowners expect certain creature comforts. Things like air conditioning and hot water are not a privilege but an expectation. However, it’s possible for these systems to require occasional maintenance to remain in top condition.

Knowing when to call service professionals can prevent expensive repairs. For water heaters, many homeowners wonder, “Why is my water heater making noise?”

Understanding what different noises mean for your water heater can help you know when to call Wickliffe's expert water heater repair from Formica Plumbing & Sewer Co. Our experts offer top-rated plumbing and sewer services in Wickliffe, OH. Keep your home comfort systems optimally functional with our maintenance and repair service today.

Should I Immediately Worry If My Water Heater Makes Noises?

Many homeowners panic the moment their water heater makes any noise. While certain sounds should alert you to call service professionals, it’s not abnormal for your water heater to make certain sounds. 

Rather than immediately worrying when you hear noises coming from your heater, pay attention to the type of sound. Different noises can indicate whether there is a developing problem at all. When in doubt, service professionals from Formica Plumbing & Sewer Co. can inspect your system to provide a definitive answer.

Different Sounds and What They Mean

If you’re still asking, “Why is my water heater making noise?” you should instead wonder what different noises mean. Paying attention to the type of sounds your water heater makes can clue you in to what potential issues may be occurring. Hearing any of the noises explained below should alert you to call service professionals from top-rated experts at Formica Plumbing & Sewer Co.

Sizzling Sound

Water heaters cycle water through your home to heat it, then return it to water fixtures. However, these cycles can also draw in contaminants like sediment and small minerals that eventually cause problems.

Sizzling sounds might indicate an adverse level of sediment build-up in your tank’s base. Fortunately, professionals can usually resolve this issue by flushing out your system. Getting these services quickly can save you money, as you’ll notice increased water bills for the duration of the sizzling sound.

Popping Sounds

As limescale, minerals, and sediment build up in your system, steam bubbles form under these contaminants. When the steam bubbles rise, they pop, making this noise. A professional system flush could also resolve this problem.

Another potential reason for popping is high alkalinity exposure to your aluminum anode rod. Experts may need to replace this mechanism with a new material like magnesium.

Humming

While gas water heaters use combustion reactions to temper water, electric heaters instead have a heating element powered by electricity. Programmed with the thermostat of your system, these mechanisms heat surrounding water when its temperature dips below your preferences. However, issues with this part of your system can cause a humming noise.

Electric water heater elements can suffer wear and tear and damage for various reasons. When these attachments loosen, it can cause humming noises as water pushing them around causes vibrations. Professionals need only tighten the heating element to restore the safety and functionality of your system.

Hammering or Knocking Noises

“Water hammering” and knocking noises provide a symptom of a larger problem with your plumbing system. When pipes and fixtures within your walls become loose, it can cause higher water pressures to clang against the pipes as water travels to appliances and faucets. This creates the hammering noise that professionals refer to as a “water hammer.”

While this sound doesn’t necessarily suggest an immediate threat, pay attention to how these noises grow or worsen. If the problem continues, it might be necessary to call professionals to examine your system and tighten any loose connections.

Screeching Sound

Screeching sounds can originate from restrictions to water flow through your system. When you notice screeching or any similar noises, it’s great to first check the pressure relief valve and see if water is releasing at a higher rate than usual. This might indicate a higher restriction to water flow throughout your system that could have triggered the sound.

The temperature, inlet, and outlet valves of your system could also be the source of the noise. Hiring professionals to check these parts of your system is the best way to prevent damage.

Crackling Sounds

Crackling sounds originate from condensation forming within your tank and settling on the burner. While this shouldn’t always occur, it’s not uncommon for occasionally low water levels to create the conditions for crackling.

When you consistently use hot water, it can lower the water level in your tank. As these levels decrease, cold water coming in to fill the tank interacts with the hotter water and creates vapor. This vapor rests on your burner and can cause crackling during subsequent operations.

Occasional crackling noises shouldn’t be a cause for alarm in your system. However, consistent issues should alert you to call professionals.

Ticking and Tapping

Ticking and tapping are usually benign noises that shouldn’t cause any anxiety. These sounds can originate from abrupt water pressure changes and efficiency, increasing heat trap nipples. Ultimately, though, it usually doesn’t indicate damage or a major issue in your system.

Like any of the other noises, though, the best way to ensure the safety of your system is to call professionals for inspections and maintenance. Formica Plumbing & Sewer Co offers expert services for all your plumbing and sewer systems.

Call a Top-Rated Professional Plumber From Formica Plumbing & Sewer Co.

Whether you have a dysfunctional or leaking water heater, experts from Formica Plumbing & Sewer Co. offer the best available service. Stop asking, “Why is my water heater making noise?” and call our experts for service today. 

As the best water heater service professionals in Wickliffe, OH, and the surrounding area, we’ll restore this essential home comfort system to optimal functionality. For more information about top-rated services for your water heater, call (440) 485-3850 and request a free quote or service consultation from Formica Plumbing & Sewer Co.