Can a Noisy Water Heater Pose a Problem?

4/30/2022 (Permalink)

Can A Noisy Water Heater Be An Issue?

Water heaters may make popping or rumbling noises if you have hard water in Daybreak, UT, or it has been a while since you flushed the tank of this appliance. Find out why these noises occur and whether water heater sounds might indicate potential problems that could cause this appliance to malfunction.

Sediment Is a Common Cause of Sounds

Water that is referred to as being “hard” contains high concentrations of calcium and magnesium. The following minerals tend to contribute to the deposits called “scale”:

• Calcium carbonate
  
• Calcium sulfate
• Magnesium hydroxide

Particles of these minerals settle at the bottom of a tank and act as an insulator. The sounds coming from this appliance are caused by steam bubbles that rise and then become trapped. A heater with a rusted tank can also leak and cause water damage.

Scale Makes a Water Heater Work Harder

Sediment can keep the heating element from efficiently raising water temperature. Reduced tank volume may limit the hot water supply, and water from faucets or showerheads may fluctuate in temperature from very hot to lukewarm. Over time, buildup shortens the life of a heating element.

Flush the Tank To Remove Residue

Eliminate buildup by doing a water heater flush. Shut off the breaker to an electric heater or set a gas heater to pilot. Close the water supply valve and wait for water in the tank to cool. Attach a hose to the drain valve and route the contents down a drain or outside. Drain and refill the tank until water runs clear. Close the drain valve and reconnect the heater.

A noisy water heater may not fail immediately, but the heating element will have to work harder, which shortens the operating life of the appliance. Depending on the hardness of water in Daybreak, UT, a homeowner may want to regularly flush out a heater tank.