Hearing noises coming from your water heater can be both annoying and worrisome. The noises can indicate a problem or they may not be anything to worry about at all. It’s important to understand where the noises in your home are coming from and what they mean.
Understanding the Noises
Popping: If your water heater is making a popping noise it probably means there’s debris buildup at the bottom of the tank.
Solution: To get rid of sediment buildup, you can flush your tank. Make sure to turn the hot water off before flushing it. You may also consider getting a water softener. Water softeners will help filter out mineral deposits and lessen sediment buildup.
SizzIing: Hearing a sizzling sound could mean your valve is not fully open or closed. It can also mean there is condensation or a water leak.
Solution: Look at your unit and check to see if the valves are closed all the way. If there is a water leak, find where it is coming from and contact a professional.
Ticking: A ticking sound can indicate fluctuations in water pressure.
Solution: Installing plastic spacers and reducing the temperature of the water can help reduce the water pressure in your water heater reducing the ticking sound.
Humming: If your water heater is humming it’s typically not a harmful sound. The heating element might be loose.
Solution: All you need to do is tighten the heating elements. One is located at the top of the water heater and the other at the bottom. Once they are tightened the noise should stop.
If your hot water continues to make noise, contact a professional to fix the problem for you.
