A normal, optimally functioning home water heater typically produces a sound level ranging from 40 to 60 decibels (dB). This is similar to a refrigerator’s hum or a quiet conversation. If yours is louder, you might have a problem. Here are the common water heater noises and what they mean.
Normal Operational Noises
Before covering troublesome noises, it’s important to understand that not all water heater sounds indicate a problem. Some sounds are perfectly normal. They include:
1. Humming
Water heaters sometimes make a humming noise during a refill cycle after hot water has been used. The sound is usually faint and steady, indicating the normal movement of cold water through the inlet pipes and into a hot heating element. However, the hum shouldn’t be continuous. It should only last while the system is actively refilling and heating water.
2. Crackling
If you have a gas-powered water heater, you’ll occasionally hear crackling noises during operation. These sounds are often the result of condensation dripping onto the hot burner, creating a sizzle or crackle as the water evaporates upon contact.
3. Ticking
Water heaters have short, threaded pipes that connect the heater, where water is boiled, to the hot and cold water lines. Think of them as connectors linking the heater’s tank to the other end of the plumbing.
These connectors can create a heat trap by preventing heated water from rising too quickly into the pipes. As the metal components expand and contract with temperature changes, they may produce a ticking or tapping noise. This is normal and harmless. However, if the ticking sound becomes excessive or is accompanied by pressure fluctuations, you may have a problem.
4. Hammering sounds
Hammering noises, which are often referred to as water hammer, can either be normal or problematic, depending on the situation. If your home has an older plumbing system, you may hear this sound more frequently. It occurs when water flow is suddenly stopped, causing pressure waves that shake the pipes and create a loud banging noise.
Problematic Sounds
If you hear these sounds, schedule professional water heater repair services as soon as possible. They include:
Persistent Humming
Persistent humming sounds from your water heater may suggest something is loose. This could be a part, a screw, or maybe even a bolt. The vibrations caused by this looseness generate the hum.
Call a professional to inspect the unit and identify the unsecured component. They’ll tighten the loose part and, if necessary, adjust the water pressure, as excessive pressure can sometimes contribute to vibrations that loosen water heater components.
Excessive Ticking
Ticking, as mentioned before, is normal and harmless. However, frequent or unusually loud ticking may indicate an issue with the pressure-reducing valve. This valve regulates water pressure within the system, preventing fluctuations that can cause pipes and fittings to expand and contract noisily. Plumbers may need to adjust or replace the pressure-reducing valve to stabilize the system. They may also install more straps or insulation around the unit to prevent it from moving due to water pressure changes.
Rumbling
If your water heater produces rumbling sounds during operation, it likely has excessive sediment buildup. Although municipal treatment plants do a great job filtering out sediments, disturbances in the water supply system can stir up mineral deposits and allow them to enter your plumbing system.
Over time, these sediments settle at the bottom of the tank or on heating elements, forming a layer that can trap air under it. When the heater warms up, the trapped air escapes as bubbles through the layers of sediments, creating mini-explosions that sound like rumbling.
You should take this warning sign seriously because sediment buildup is such a detrimental issue. For one, sediment acts as an insulator, making it hard for the heating elements to heat the water. This forces the water heater to consume excessive energy while trying to raise the water temperature to the set warmth level.
Prolonged sediment accumulation can cause overheating, which can weaken the tank’s structure and other components of the unit. Additionally, sediment buildup can harbor bacteria and other contaminants. Heavy metals and microorganisms can leach into the hot water, potentially leading to health concerns such as skin irritation, gastrointestinal issues, or exposure to harmful substances.
To fix this issue, our plumbers will flush your water heater. Flushing involves draining the tank completely to remove accumulated minerals. They may use a descaling solution or specialized tools to dislodge stubborn sediments that have hardened at the bottom of the tank or around heating elements. Once clear, they’ll run fresh water through the system to wash out any remaining debris.
Whistling
A high-pitched screeching sound from your heater is often caused by loose valves letting air or steam escape. The noise typically originates from the temperature-pressure relief (TPR) valve, the drain valve, or a partially closed inlet or outlet valve.
It’s the TPR valve’s responsibility to release excess pressure from the tank. However, if it whistles frequently, your unit has dangerously high pressure, which could be caused by a malfunctioning thermostat, an improperly functioning expansion tank, or excessively high incoming water pressure from the municipal supply. Sometimes, the valve itself may need replacing.
The drain valve, located at the bottom of the tank, can become loose over time due to wear and tear. When that happens, it will allow air or steam to slip through, creating a whistling sound. Tightening or replacing the valve can resolve the issue.
Running Water
A running water sound from your water heater is normal. It simply indicates that water is flowing inside the tank or the combustion chamber to be heated. However, if it persists or occurs when no water is being used, call a plumber for investigation.
Your system could have a leaky pipe, allowing water to escape. Even small leaks can lead to increased water bills, system strain, and potential water damage to surrounding areas.
A faulty temperature-pressure relief valve may be the culprit. If faulty, it may allow water to continuously flow out of the tank, creating the sound of running water.
Consider Annual Maintenance
You can avoid water heater problems, enhance energy efficiency, and extend your unit’s lifespan by scheduling annual maintenance. During the inspection, our plumbers will assess your system and identify worn-out components, sediment buildup, or pressure irregularities before they escalate. They’ll also flush the tank, check for corrosion, and test your water quality for contaminants that could affect performance or safety.
When to Call IBBOTSON Heating & Air Conditioning Co.
To be sure that the sound coming from your system is not problematic, contact IBBOTSON Heating & Air Conditioning Co. for a professional inspection. Our highly skilled plumbers will diagnose the issue, determine whether the noise is harmless or a sign of a deeper problem, and recommend the best course of action. We are a reputable and trusted company in Arlington Heights, offering premium services since 1946. Beyond repairs, you can also call us for water heater replacement and maintenance.
Call IBBOTSON Heating & Air Conditioning Co. for water heater repair in Arlington Heights and the surrounding areas.
