Common Water Heater Noises and What They Mean
We hear a lot of sounds every day — some expected, like birds chirping or cars driving by, and others that make us pause. One of those surprising sounds might come from a place you wouldn’t expect: your water heater. You’ve maybe heard a variety of noises coming from it — humming, popping, or even hissing — and you’re left wondering, “Is it normal for a water heater to make noise?”
In this blog, we’ll break down the most common water heater noises and explain what they might mean. This way, you’ll know what’s going on with your water heater and when it’s time to call in a professional.
Is It Normal for a Water Heater to Make Noise?
It is common for water heaters to make some noise during operation, especially when heating water. But, is it normal for a water heater to make noise all the time? Not necessarily. Different sounds can indicate different issues, and while some noises are harmless, others might signal a need for maintenance or repairs. If you’ve been wondering whether the noises coming from your hot water heater are normal, you’re not alone.
In many cases, it is normal for a water heater to make noise, but understanding the type of noise can help you figure out what’s going on. Let’s explore the most common water heater noises and what they usually indicate.
1. Popping Sounds
If you hear a popping sound coming from your water heater, it’s usually due to sediment buildup in the tank. Over time, minerals and sediment from your water supply can settle at the bottom of the tank, causing air pockets to form as the water heats. When these pockets of trapped water try to escape, they create a popping or bubbling sound.
Solution: Flushing the tank to remove sediment buildup can help prevent this issue. Regular maintenance can also extend the life of your water heater. If you’re in the Houston, TX, area, contact Aberle Plumbing for professional water heater maintenance.
2. Sizzling Sounds
A sizzling sound often points to water dripping onto the heating element. This might be due to condensation or a leaking water heater. If water drips onto the hot element, it sizzles and evaporates quickly.
Solution: Check for any signs of a leak around the tank or the inlet control valve. If you find a leak, it’s best to contact a plumber. Leaks can cause serious damage if left unattended, and a professional plumber can help you determine whether a repair or tank replacement is needed.
3. Humming Noises
A humming noise is another common water heater sound. This typically happens in electric water heaters when the heating elements loosen over time. As water flows around the loose element, it vibrates and causes a humming sound.
Solution: Tightening the heating elements should stop the humming. If you’re unsure how to do this, consider calling in a professional for help. Aberle Plumbing offers comprehensive water heater maintenance services in the Houston, TX area, and we can help keep your system in top shape.
4. Tapping or Hammering Sounds
If you hear a tapping or hammering sound, your water heater might be experiencing water hammer, which happens when water suddenly stops or changes direction in the pipes. This can happen when a faucet or appliance shuts off quickly.
Solution: Installing a water hammer arrestor can help resolve this problem. If you frequently hear these sounds, you might want to consult with a plumber to assess the overall condition of your plumbing system, including the hot water heater.
5. Crackling Sounds
A crackling noise is often heard in gas water heaters. This happens when condensation forms on the gas burners and makes a crackling sound as the water heater heats up. This noise is generally harmless and is just a sign that the water is being heated.
Solution: While crackling sounds in gas-powered water heaters are usually nothing to worry about, it’s a good idea to schedule an annual inspection to keep your water heater in top condition.
6. Screeching or Hissing Noises
If your water heater is making a screeching noise, it could be due to a restriction in the water flow. This often happens when the inlet control valve is not fully open, leading to high-pressure water forcing its way through a small opening.
Solution: Check to make sure all valves are fully open and there are no blockages in the pipes. A quick fix might be all it takes to stop the screeching, but if the problem persists, contacting a plumber is a good next step.
Preventing Common Water Heater Noises
While some water heater noises are perfectly normal, others can be prevented with a bit of routine care. Regularly flushing the tank to remove sediment and mineral deposits can keep your water heater running smoothly and quietly. Basic maintenance tasks like checking the pressure relief valve, inspecting for leaks, and verifying that the drain valve is functioning properly can help avoid strange sounds down the line.
Additionally, if you live in an area with hard water, installing a water softener can reduce sediment buildup and extend the life of your water heater.
When to Consider Calling a Professional Plumber
Sometimes, the noises coming from your water heater are a sign that it’s time to call in a professional. If you’re hearing loud noises, suspect a leaking water heater, or notice unusual sounds that persist even after maintenance, it’s best to get an expert’s opinion. Whether you have a gas water heater or an electric water heater, a professional can diagnose the issue and recommend the best course of action.
Aberle Plumbing is your go-to team for all things related to water heaters in Houston, TX, and the surrounding areas. With years of experience in water heater maintenance, repair, and installation, we have what it takes to make sure your hot water supply stays reliable.
Ready to Schedule Water Heater Services?
Dealing with strange noises from your water heater can be stressful, especially if you’re not sure what’s normal and what isn’t. But now that you know more about the common water heater noises and what they mean, you’re better equipped to handle the situation. If you’re still hearing something that doesn’t sound right, don’t hesitate to reach out to a professional plumber.
Whether your water heater is making a subtle popping noise or a loud hissing sound, Aberle Plumbing can help. Serving Houston, TX, and the surrounding areas, our team of experienced plumbers can diagnose the issue and get your hot water back to flowing quietly. Ready to silence those water heater noises? Schedule your service today with Aberle Plumbing! We specialize in everything from water heater repair to bathroom plumbing in Houston.