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Water Heater Sounds Like a Tea Kettle?
Water heaters sounds can be aggravating but, right out of the gate, let’s just say that water heaters do make noise. Some noises are normal and some could be an indication of a bigger problem. As always, you can call our water heater experts at 1-951-688-1175 and they can help you understand what noises are normal and what aren’t. If necessary, they can arrange to have one of our technicians come out and help diagnose the problem.
Oftentimes, people will call to report that their water heater is making a “rumbling” or “popping” noise. This is often associated with excessive sediment build-up in the hot water heater and this could lead to bigger problems down the road. As a water heater ages, sediment can build up at the bottom, especially if the heater has not been drained on a regular basis. The rumbling noise is the sound of heated water escaping from the sediment at the bottom of the tank. This isn’t a dangerous situation, but one that may lead to a lack of hot water or even the need to replace the water heater.
Sediment build-up can cause heat loss because more heat goes up the chimney and out the vent than goes towards heating the water. Also, as the sediment builds, it causes the bottom of the water heater to overheat and that can shorten the life of the tank and even lead to the failure of the unit. Certain areas also have “bad” or hard water and that can lead to even more sediment build-up. In these areas, flushing the water heater can help reduce the sediment, thus extending the life of the water heater and saving on energy costs. However, if the sediment is allowed to solidify, it becomes similar to coral in the ocean and you can never remove it at that point. If the sediment can be flushed out, then your problem may subside. If not, it may be time to replace it.
Another sound that you take note of is a high-pitched noise coming from your water heater. This can result from the incoming water having a high water pressure and should be fixed as soon as possible. Water heaters come with a temperature/pressure relief safety valve and that allows water to be released is the temperature gets too high or the pressure is too high. However, if that valve ceases to operate correctly, that could damage your water heater and it should be repaired as soon as possible. Excessive pressure in your water heater and plumbing could lead to leaks, cracks or, in very rare cases, a burst water heater.
Remember, our water heater experts are available 24-hours-a-day at 1-951-688-1175 and they can help you diagnose your noisy water heater. And, if necessary, they can send out one of our technicians to diagnose and fix the problem for you.
