4 Common Hot Water Heater Noises and How to Make Them Stop?

The water heater, contrary to popular belief, is a crucial household item. Due to its essential role, the water heater warrants regular inspection and monitoring. Though it’s normal for a water heater to generate some noise, it’s important to investigate any unusual noises, such as humming, knocking, shrieking, or tapping, to be sure they aren’t signs that repairs or new parts are needed.

Here are the four most typical noises that come from water heaters, along with the solutions to silence them:

1. The sound: Humming

The buzzing or humming sounds emanating from your water heater are more than just minor annoyances. They may be a sign that components within the unit are becoming dislodged and coming free. When detected on time, humming sounds are most often caused by vibrations happening within the hot water unit, which can be easily remedied.

The remedy is to turn off your water heater, inspect it, and then make any necessary adjustments to the elements that will stop the vibrations. When working on water heater units, you should never take any chances and always exercise extreme caution because the water contained therein is extremely hot and poses a potential risk.

2. The sound: knocking and hammering

When water is allowed to flow into shutdown valves at an excessive rate, a noise that is often comparable to slamming or pounding is produced as a result. The occurrence of this phenomenon, which is often referred to as “water hammering,” can be quite noisy; yet, even when it does take place, it is normally not a major cause for alarm.

The solution is for you to go to the local hardware store and purchase a device that is known as a water hammer arrestor. This will fix the problem. These are typically straightforward to install and ought to offer rapid relief from the annoying knocking sound.

3. The sound: screaming or screeching

If your water heater makes a screaming sound while it is functioning, the problem is most likely caused by the check valves that are located in the pipes that carry the water. When check valves are unable to open all the way, the water is forced to force its way through, which results in a rise in pressure and a high-pitched noise. This causes the water to be compelled to force its way through.

The solution is to get your check valves checked out so that you can make sure they can open and close completely. To successfully finish this endeavor, we strongly recommend enlisting the assistance of trained professionals.

4. The sound: tapping

Tapping is another indicator that your check valves might need to be changed or replaced, or that you might have a more serious problem with sediment buildup within your water tank.

It is recommended that you seek the assistance of a professional plumber to have the heating elements or burner of the water heater inspected, as well as the check valves, and to have the water tank drained to remove sediment if it is necessary.