North Peachtree Plumbing are experts when it comes to water heaters. We’re happy to help with all your questions and needs. If your water heater makes any noise, it’s time to look closer. Water heater replacement may be necessary. Water heaters can last for many years, but they will eventually start to show their age. If your water heater is more than ten years old, it’s probably time to start thinking about replacing it.
One of the most common signs that a water heater needs to replacing is when it starts making strange noises. These noises range from a subtle knocking to a loud banging noise. If you hear any noise from your water heater, it’s time to call a professional to take a closer look.
Water heater replacement may not be the only option. If your water heater is relatively new and you still have issues with it, you may need to have it serviced. A water heater that’s not working properly can often need a simple repair.
Different Sounds Can Mean Different Issues
Banging and Rumbling
If your water heater is banging or rumbling, it could indicate sediment build-up on the bottom of the tank. This happens when water evaporates and leaves behind mineral deposits. When water is heated, the sediment hardens and makes noise. To solve this problem, all you have to do is drain your water heater, which is something that should be done twice a year anyway.
Banging and rumbling is also caused by a water hammer. Water hammer is what happens when water rushing through pipes suddenly stops. This is caused by a water valve that’s not working properly or a clog in the pipe. If you have a water hammer, you’ll need to repair or replace the valves or pipes.
Cracking or Hissing
The most common problem with an electric water heater is cracking and hissing. If your water heater is hissing, it could be because of a loose pressure relief valve. The pressure relief valve is a safety feature that releases water and pressure if the water heater gets too hot. If the valve is loose, it can hiss or leak water. You’ll need to have a professional tighten or replace the valve.
If your water heater is still hissing after the valve tightening or replacement, it could be a more severe problem. Call a technician so they can inspect the problem.
Whether you have an electric water heater or not, all water heaters use electrical components to work. The last thing you want to do is mess with water and electricity so call for a professional.
Ticking
Ticking might be the most alarming sound coming from your water heater. But don’t worry. If you hear ticking, it most likely means that the water pressure keeps changing and/or the water heater keeps moving.
You can adjust the water pressure by using the water pressure valve. And you can add insulation around the water pressure to keep it from moving. But if the ticking persists, call a technician.
Popping
Popping sounds in your water heater could be sediment build-up. Flushing your water heater usually solves this problem too. There could be a rust build-up inside your heater, so you also want to replace the anode rod.
Whistling or Screeching
Whistling can often be caused by air releasing from pressure valves or temperature and inlet/outlet valves. This can often be fixed by adjusting the valves until you don’t hear the whistling anymore.
Still Making Noise After Troubleshooting Everything
If your water heater is still making noise even though you’ve had inspectors come around and fix the hissing only for it to start ticking and then fixed the ticking only for it to start whistling, and so on, then you might need a water heater replacement. It’s never a bad thing to start from scratch.
When it comes down to it, replacing your water heater is a choice only you can make. You may want a tankless heater or a conventional one. It boils down to what type of home you have. If your house runs on natural gas already, replacing your water heater with a tankless heater may be your best option. But electrical heaters are cheaper to run and more convenient, and that might be something you prefer. There are pros and cons to both.
If you want a conventional heater, you probably already have one. Conventional heaters are the most common heater in residential homes. This type of heater stores and heats the water in your house.
Each water heater has pros and cons, but it’s ultimately up to you. Our technicians are happy to help you make your important decision. We have 25 years of experience and will lead you in the right direction.
Make sure to call North Peachtree Plumbing for all your water heater needs.
