Why Is My Water Heater Making Noise?

A water heater is an essential appliance in your home. Though you may not think about it, it’s always there working away to ensure you have water. If your water heater is making loud noises, then it’s time to call in a professional technician. They will be able to answer why your water heater is making noise and provide you with the right tools and repair services to get it working properly again. These are some of the most common issues you may have to deal with if you have a water heater.

What Sound is My Water Heater Making?

A water heater is a helpful device to have in the home. You can’t enjoy a hot shower in the morning without one. And you count on it to help keep your dishes sparkly clean.

So if you hear noise while you are using hot water or even when you are relaxing at home, there may be something wrong with the electrical or the tank. Let’s look at some of the main causes of water heater noises.

Popping and Rumbling Sounds 

Over time, sediment can form around the heating element. So if you are hearing a popping sound, it’s likely to air that is trapped beneath the sediment layer. This can usually be fixed by flushing the tank system.

A water heating system can easily fail if the wrong buttons are pushed or you remove parts without understanding how the unit works. That’s why it’s always best to call a professional water heater service technician.

Loud Hammering

If you are hearing clangs or bangs, then it’s likely your pipes have not been secured properly. As your heater works, it can loosen the pipes causing them to move while in operation.

There is nothing to be worried about – this will not damage your tank. It may however damage the wall your tank sits against which could be an expensive repair. Keep in mind that not repairing your water heater could cause it to bust so it’s important to address any loud noises or issues the moment you discover them.

Humming or Buzzing 

Does it sound like you have a monster living in your basement? Though it may not be imaginary creatures in the night, the humming or buzzing you hear coming from your water heater is definitely real and should be looked at right away. If you hear humming or buzzing it is probably due to a failing or loose electrical connection.

Never attempt to make electrical repairs on your water heater yourself. This could lead to shock or even death. Turn off your water heater and call a professional technician who can resolve the situation.

Loud Squeals or Whistling 

Similar to other appliances, a hot water heater can make a whole host of noises while in operation. If you are hearing loud squeals or whistling then it may be a problem with your water intake. If pressurized water is being sent through pipes that are too small or with loose valves, it will cause a loud screeching sound.

This can be caused by damaged pipes or a loose valve and should be looked at as soon as possible. If it is a piping issue then you may need to call a plumber to check for any leaks or cracks. A furnace technician can adjust any other issues with your unit and put an end to the squeals and whistles coming from your hot water heater.

Contact the Pros

Maintaining your hot water heater doesn’t have to be a chore when you have a heating and cooling company like ThermEnergy there to ensure your water heater is doing the job right. We offer complete hot water heater repair and installation services so you can feel confident knowing your unit is being repaired by experts who know all about the latest water heater technology. 

Remember, it’s important to call the professionals when dealing with hot water repairs. These units can be complex and should only be serviced by a team who knows the requirements for your make and model. We evaluate your unit to provide you with a complete breakdown of any issues. We arrive ready to work so you don’t have to wait days to get your hot water back.

We serve Toronto and the GTA region with exceptional water heater repair and installation services. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you with your heater and air conditioning system.