Typically, you don’t hear much sound coming from your water heater. You might notice the occasional ticking, humming, or buzzing noises, which are usually normal and nothing to worry about. However, when you’re hearing rumbles, hisses, pops, and other sounds you’ve never heard before, it’s safe to assume that something is wrong.

Hissing or Sizzling

These noises may mean water is dripping onto your heating element or burner. It could also indicate a leak inside the tank, and it’s the sound of water coming in contact with an extremely hot metal surface. Besides a leak, these noises can also occur if your water heater is overheating. In this case, the water inside the tank will boil near the burner or element.

Unfortunately, if these issues aren’t addressed, they could cause a fire or damage the unit. They’re basically alerting you to schedule a repair as soon as possible.

Knocking or Banging

You might hear a knocking or banging from a water hammer in the tank, which is a sudden change in water pressure. It sends a pressure surge that can cause the pipes connected to the heater or the heater itself to make noise. Loose pipes can also cause this issue because they move freely.

You could experience damage to your connections or pipes from these issues. As a result, your water heater could experience leaks. While this issue isn’t urgent, contacting a plumber promptly can prevent damage.

Rumbling or Popping

Especially if you have hard water, minerals like calcium and magnesium will accumulate on the bottom of your tank. Any water trapped underneath the sediment will convert to vapor, causing rumbling and popping noises. Besides the noise, you may notice your water appears brown or rusty at times because of the sediment.

For one, your water heater may not work as efficiently. This can also damage your tank or decrease your unit’s lifespan. To prevent these issues, your tank must be flushed regularly to remove all the debris on the bottom. A water softener can also help by removing the minerals.

Squealing or Whining

Squealing or whining can signify that the pump is failing or that you have a faulty valve. It could also be your heating element vibrating, meaning sediment buildup beneath it.

You may need to replace the pump or valve. For a dirty heating element, clean both the element and the area below it.

The Water Heater Services You Need

The noises coming from your water heater may be telling you something. Some fixes are quick and simple, but others require the expertise of a plumber.

Call Evenflo Plumbing in Corvallis, OR when you need water heater repair.