Is It Normal For A Water Heater To Make Noise?

Have you been hearing strange noises coming from your water heater? Is this normal, or could it be an indication of a problem?

A water heater is a very important appliance for many households. It provides hot and cold water, letting you take relaxing showers and wash dishes conveniently. Therefore, it is natural to be concerned when the water heater starts making weird sounds.

Making noise can be caused by several factors, including sediment buildup in the tank, loose parts, or an aging heating element. If your electric or gas hot water system is making unusual sounds, it might require professional attention to get back up and running. In this article, we'll discuss what noise issues can occur with a water heater and when you should call a professional hot water plumber.
Let’s take a look at the different sounds your hot water system can make and what they mean.

• Ticking sound

This sound is normal with electric water heaters due to the electrical current running through them. This sound should be a soft, low-level ticking that fades into the background. Of course, if the sound increases dramatically or stops altogether then you likely have an issue that needs attention from a hot water specialist.

• Sizzling sounds

When cold water meets up with hot internally in your tank this often causes sizzling sounds. A good indicator of this being the cause is if you hear loud noises followed by quieter ones as hot and cold water meet up inside the hot water tank. It's also worth noting that sediment buildups inside tanks cause similar noises as they are heated by incoming hot water - attempting to remove them can help improve the noise level

• Popping sounds

Popping or crackling is heard most commonly in old electric systems due to a phenomenon called heat traps. These Heat Traps become clogged with lint or sediment over time, thus preventing electricity from entering the bottom portion of the system and will eventually create these lightning-like popping sounds when heated too quickly. It’s important that you consider replacing these systems entirely as they are both outdated and inefficient compared with modern energy efficiency standards.

• Rumbling sounds

Rumbling sounds are often caused by the expansion of the metal tank from hot water running through it. If you hear a deep rumbling sound, it’s likely a normal occurrence and nothing to be concerned about. However, if the sound is loud and continuous, then there could be a problem with sediment buildup in the bottom of your tank. This sediment can prevent water from flowing freely, causing the tank to become over-pressurised and eventually lead to failure.

• Knocking sounds

If your water heater is making a loud banging or knocking sound, then chances are it's due to sediment buildup inside the tank. This sediment can act as an anchor for the heating element, trapping heat and creating high-pressure buildups in the tank. As these water pressures build up, they can cause the heating element to vibrate rapidly, creating a loud knocking sound.

• Crackling sounds

If you hear a crackling sound coming from your water heater, it could be an indication of corrosion or rust on the heating element. Corrosion can cause an electrical short in the system and create a crackling sound. If this is the case, then you should call a professional plumber immediately to have them inspect your system for any signs of damage.

In summary, it is normal for a hot water heater to make some noise, but if the noise becomes louder or continuous then it could be an indication of a problem. If you're hearing any of these sounds from your water heater, it's best to call a professional hot water plumber for help.