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Why is My Water Heater Making Noise? 3 Signs of Trouble

Water heater making noise that is driving you crazy? We know the feeling. Not only can loud banging or knocking sounds cause you to wake up abruptly during the middle of the night, they can simply disturb the peace and quiet at any time of the day. Luckily, not all of the sounds your water heater makes indicate there is a serious problem. Here are a few common noises your water heater might make and what those sounds often mean:

Popping, Tapping or Knocking Sounds

These are the most common noises a water heater makes and luckily, it’s usually a simple fix. These noises indicate there is a buildup of sediment, or mineral deposits in the tank and it needs to be flushed out. Even if you’re not hearing these noises just yet, we recommend flushing your water heater once a year to prevent a buildup of deposits and avoid more troublesome problems down the road.

A popping sound coming from your water heater is a clear red flag. This noise typically indicates an excessive amount of sediment at the bottom of the tank. It’ll eventually become more difficult for your unit to transfer heat. You should also consider installing a water filtration system, which helps remove hard minerals.

Humming or Buzzing

If you have an electric water heater and notice a humming or buzzing sound, it usually means water is flowing around the heating element. When this happens, it can cause vibrations which create the noises you’re hearing. Most of the time, a slight tightening of the element will fix the problem and get rid of the noise.

Screeching

This is usually one of the more alarming sounds your water heater can make and for good reason. Screeching sounds are never good and usually indicate that water flow is restricted or that there’s a serious problem with a part or component.

While it may just be a partially closed inlet control valve that needs to be adjusted, these noises shouldn’t be taken lightly. Opening the inlet control valve is as simple as turning a knob. If the valve seems stuck, debris may have gotten stuck inside. Still, it’s always best to call in a professional right away.

Cape Coral Water Heater Service & Repairs

When you hire Aztec Plumbing & Drains, we will give you honest and professional advice. We’ll tell you about the pros and cons of repairing vs. replacing your water heater. If we do recommend a replacement, we will explain all of your options to you fully in simple language. Call us today at 239-932-2959.

Learn More in Our Water Heater Series:

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