Why Is My Water Heater Making Noise?

Hot water heaters are one of those appliances that you’re always relying upon but you never really think about much. That is, until something goes wrong. For many of us, that “something wrong” manifests as unusual hot water heater noises. Is your home hot water heater making a weird sound? Does it have you worried, or are you looking for a fast solution?

The experts at Jack Lehr Heating Cooling & Electric are glad to say you can rest easy! This problem is a common one, and we know just what to do.

What Kind of Sound Is My Water Heater Making?

Like with many appliances, we can thankfully narrow down the origin of your issue by identifying exactly what kind of noise you’re hearing. Problems with a hot water heater can range from electrical issues, to tank problems, all the way to leaks and other common things. And they all make different noises.

Let’s start by covering the most common of these sounds and briefly talk about what to do if you notice any of them:

• Popping and rumbling sounds. In the vast majority of situations where hot water heater sounds are involved, this is going to be the problem. This is because inside of a hot water heater, and especially around the heating element, sediment begins to form over time. The popping you’re hearing is produced when heated water or air that is trapped under the sediment layer bursts out. In most cases this is an easy fix—simple tank flushing services can handle it for you.
• Loud hammering. Water hammering can happen when pipes are not secured properly and tends to happen most often when a hot water heater ends its heating cycle. The sound is scary, but it poses no real risk to the hot water heater. If left alone, though, water hammering can lead to wall damage.
• Humming or buzzing. Any appliance emitting a low hum or oddly-sinister buzzing sound is something you should be wary of. In the case of a hot water heater the most likely cause is a loose or failing electrical connection. This should be repaired by an electrician as soon as possible, and it’s safest to shut down the hot water heater altogether until the issue is handled.
• Loud squeals or whistling. Pressurized water being forced through pipes that are too small or through pinholes (or loose valves) will create a piercing screech or “scream” sound. Whether or not the issue is serious depends on whether or not the sound is caused by pipe damage or a simple loose valve, with the former requiring plumbing services and the latter needing a very simple water heater repair.

Electrical Repair in Allentown, PA & Lehigh Valley

Are you fighting a hot water heater that squeals, squeaks, pops, or rumbles all the time? The experts at Jack Lehr can help! Our repair technicians and service teams have been serving Lehigh Valley for over 50 years and with our expertise on your side you can consider the issue already solved. Contact us online today to talk to a professional about your hot water heater needs!