Why Is My Water Heater Knocking or Making Noise?
If you’ve heard your water heater making loud knocking, rumbling, or popping sounds, it can be alarming. After all, your water heater holds a large amount of water and uses electricity or gas to heat it, so the potential for disaster is scary. It can also leave you wondering whether you’re about to face an expensive breakdown or repair. Don’t panic; noisy water heaters are a common issue for homeowners, but they shouldn’t be ignored. As your local plumbing experts for over a century, we’re diving into what can cause those noises and what you can do about them.
What’s Causing That Noise?
Water heaters are designed to operate quietly, so if yours has gotten noisy, it usually means something’s off inside the tank or piping. Knocking, rumbling, or popping sounds can be caused by:
- Buildup of sediment in the tank: As your water is heated, naturally occurring minerals like calcium and magnesium settle at the bottom of the tank. Over time, this sediment layer hardens and traps water beneath it, causing bubbling and popping sounds as steam escapes.
- Fluctuating water pressure: Inconsistent or high water pressure can lead to vibration or banging noises. If your system doesn’t have a working expansion tank, these pressure changes can cause stress on pipes and internal components.
- Heating element problems: Electric water heaters have heating elements that can scale up or become damaged. When this happens, they may buzz or bang during operation as they struggle to do their job.
- Expanding and contracting pipes: As hot water flows through the system, metal pipes expand. When those pipes are snug against framing or other materials, the movement can cause loud creaking or banging sounds.
Why You Shouldn’t Ignore Water Heater Noises
While your water heater may still function when it starts making noise, those sounds are usually an early warning sign. Sediment buildup can reduce heating efficiency, increase energy costs, and even overheat the tank, leading to long-term damage. In worst-case scenarios, pressure problems can lead to leaks or tank failure. Catching these issues early can save you money and keep your hot water supply reliable.
What You Can Do About It
Some water heater noises can be reduced or eliminated with basic maintenance. Try these DIY steps to keep your system in good shape:
- Flush your tank regularly: Draining the tank once or twice a year helps remove sediment before it hardens.
- Install a water softener: If your home has hard water, a softener can limit mineral buildup in your plumbing and water heater.
- Keep up with routine maintenance: Annual inspections help spot small problems before they become big ones. This includes checking your water heater, as well as scheduling drain and sewer services to prevent blockages or hidden leaks that can strain your plumbing system.
- Listen to your water heater: If you notice new or worsening sounds, don’t wait to investigate or call for help.
When to Call a Professional
If you’ve flushed your tank and the noise continues, or if you’re dealing with major pressure fluctuations, persistent banging, or visible signs of corrosion, it’s time to call in a licensed plumber. A professional can perform a full inspection, clean out stubborn sediment, test pressure components, and recommend repairs or replacement if needed.
Expert Water Heater Service in Lancaster County
Lancaster Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electrical provides expert water heater services, including repair, maintenance, and installation, throughout Lancaster County. Our trusted professionals bring decades of experience and top-quality workmanship to every job. Whether your system simply needs a tune-up or it’s time for a new water heater altogether, our team can diagnose the issue and deliver fast, effective solutions.
Contact the team at Lancaster Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electrical today to schedule expert water heater service in Lancaster County!
