Water Heaters
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Humming/Buzzing Sounds
A humming or buzzing sound is a normal sound found in electric hot water heaters. This indicates the heating element is on and heating up the water. If the noise starts to become louder, it means the element is loose and needs to be tightened.
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Tapping or Ticking Sounds
This is another normal sound your hot water heater could make. It indicates the check valves inside the heater is preventing water from flowing backwards. You can talk to your plumber about alternative options if the sounds are annoying to you.
Hammering/Knocking Sounds
These sounds occur when water is abruptly stopped, like when washing machine or dishwasher water intake stops. You may notice the sound coming from inside the walls or near the area of the hot water heater. While this sound rarely poses a problem for your hot water heater, it could indicate unsecure pipes inside the wall, and if not corrected could damage the walls, as well as lead to leaks in between pipe connectors..
Screeching, Screaming, or Singing Sounds
This sound will occur when water is being forced through a smaller opening from the pressure behind it. While not a major concern, it could indicate a valve somewhere on the heater is not opened fully. If the noise is bothersome, ask your plumber to check the valves to ensure they are open and set correctly.
Rumbling, Popping, Crackling Noises
All of these sounds indicate there is some type of sediment built up inside the hot water heater. Maintenance is required as various components and parts may need replaced, as well as the tank could require draining and flushing. On older tanks (ten years or more), it may be time to replace the tank with a new one.
Clicking Sounds on Tankless Heaters
Tankless heaters work different from traditional water heaters. The clicking sound is part of normal operations as the water is moving through the heater and being heated “on-demand” for the home. However, if the noise seems a bit excessive or louder than normal, it could indicate there are calcium and mineral deposits building up inside the system from hard water.
Depending upon where you live, the amount of minerals and calcium in your water could be the cause of deposits and sediment build-up inside traditional and tankless water heaters. To help avoid these issues and extend the life of your hot water heater, it is a good idea to talk to your plumber about having a home water softener system installed. For traditional and tankless hot water heater maintenance, repairs or replacements or other plumbing services for your home in Ontario, the plumbing experts at DAS Plumbing and Drains today!
