Why Is My Water Heater Making Noise?

You use your water heater every day, probably without thinking about it. When you hear hisses, bangs, whistling, or other odd noises when you turn on a hot water faucet, you might wonder, “Why is my water heater making noise?” While it is pretty common for water heaters to make noises, it’s important to know what different sounds mean.

For any problems related to noisy electric water heaters, our team at Premier Systems can help. We provide a full range of heating, cooling, and water heater services to Bozeman, MT, and the surrounding areas. Our licensed and insured contractors are here to help diagnose your water heater noises and determine a solution to keep you comfortable.

Read on to learn about why your water heater is making noises and when to call us at 406-380-3083 for water heater service.

What Causes Noisy Water Heaters?

Noises are normal with most mechanical machines, but not all noises are typical for water heaters. If your water heater has started making any unusual sounds, call a plumber to determine the cause. While nothing may be wrong, noises can indicate a problem that requires professional servicing.

Premier Systems offers the best Bozeman water heater services, and our team is available 24/7 to help keep your water heater running comfortably and efficiently.

Let’s break down the most common water heater noises and what causes them.

Banging or Hammering Sounds 

Banging sounds in a water heater are known as “water hammer.” This occurs from forceful water pressure in the system when the water slams against the inside of the tank or abruptly changes direction. Water hammer issues can be powerful enough to burst your pipes. 

Hammering sounds can also happen because pipes are loose, banging against one another or interior walls.

Not all banging or hammering sounds are signs of serious issues, but they can lead to damage over time. If you hear banging sounds coming from your water heater, contact an expert. Some common solutions include adding insulation or installing a water hammer arrestor on the valves to stop the banging. 

Popping Sounds

If your water heater is making a popping sound, it is probably a result of sediment buildup. This is common for most traditional tank water heaters, especially if you have hard water with a high mineral concentration. When you don’t schedule water heater maintenance to flush out the tank, sediment mineral deposits accumulate. 

These minerals may be heat-conducting, which can overheat in the tank and create pressure by trapping water. As a result, steam bubbles build beneath the sediment layer and pop as the water heats and pushes through. 

Over time, uneven heating and continuous pressure can damage the water tank lining. Some common solutions for clearing sediment in a water heater include using a descaling product or flushing the tank.

Crackling Sounds

Crackling sounds often happen from condensation on the burner. Condensation, or liquid water, is fairly common, as it forms when water vapor meets cool air. 

Usually, water heaters do not create condensation in consistent temperature conditions. If the water tank isn’t full, condensation is possible, and crackling noises are not too concerning.

Screeching, Whistling, or High-Pitched Sounds

Pressurized water can cause screeching, whistling, or high-pitched sounds in a water heater. In some cases, this is due to a semi-closed inlet valve, which may require repair or replacement. 

You may be able to locate where the valve needs replacing if you listen closely, but an assessment by a professional is ideal. Replacing faulty valves near the water heater can be a dangerous process, so call in the experts.

Humming Sounds

Humming sounds are usually the result of loose heating elements. When heating elements become loose, they cause water vibration, which produces a humming sound. Calling a plumber to tighten the heating element usually corrects the sound.

Hissing Sounds

Are you wondering, “why is my water heater making noise like escaping air?” Hissing sounds are very common with water heaters, particularly electric water heaters. When sediment covers the bottom heating elements, the result is a hissing noise. Flushing and draining the system can usually clear it.

Sizzling Sounds

A leaking water heater can produce sizzling sounds when water makes contact with the unit’s hot exterior. Some condensation is normal for a water heater, but large amounts of water on the outside are problematic. 

In this case, contact a professional to assess the issue. You may need a tank replacement, pipe replacement, or entire water heater replacement. 

Vibration or Rumbling Sounds

Sediment accumulation in water tanks usually causes vibrating or rumbling sounds. When sediment traps boiling water, the bubbling of the water creates vibration.

The Sound of Water Running

If you hear what sounds like water running, it may just be water entering the tank, which is nothing to worry about. If it continues, though, you might have a leak or a broken pipe. 

What to Do If Your Water Heater Makes Noises

Water heaters are essential appliances, so it’s important they operate at full capacity. If your water heater is making any of these noises, do not ignore them or assume nothing is amiss. Any new or strange noises coming from your water heater can indicate serious problems. 

Because they are plumbing-related issues that involve hot water and steam, water heater problems are best left to plumbing experts. It may be tempting to try to solve the problem on your own, but you risk injuring yourself or causing water damage in your home.

Premier Systems Water Heater Repair Service

Hopefully, we have helped shed some light on your question, “why is my water heater making noise?” Here at Premier Systems, we are here to assist with any of your water heater issues. We can help you learn how long water heaters last and what your options are for repair or replacement.

We serve Bozeman, MT, and surrounding areas with top-notch, affordable, and attentive plumbing services. Our water heater experts will assess the issue and determine the best solution. 

For any of your heating, cooling, and water heater needs, contact the team at Premier Systems at 406-380-3083.