Question:
Dear Any Hour Services, Electrical, Plumbing, Heating & Air,
Is it normal to have your water heater make crackling, popping, and rumbling noises?
– William D.
Answer:
Crackling, popping, and rumbling sounds coming from a water heater can be a sign that sediment has built up on the bottom of it and is causing a layered effect, kind of like a hot pad or blanket — or even described sometimes as a pancake. Because of that layer on the bottom, hot water can bubble up through the sediment or hit an air pocket and make a popping sound. Another thing that can cause noise is when water becomes trapped under this sediment and begins to boil. When this happens, the sediment doesn’t allow the heat to transfer to the water in the tank properly.
Also, the hot water tank expands as it heats. So, when pressure is released, whenever someone opens a faucet to use hot water, crackling noises can occur. These kinds of noises are more of an annoyance than anything, but they do lead to the fact that you’re not going to get as much hot water from your water heater as you have before. All the calcium build-up is collecting and the heat can’t transfer as quickly or efficiently.
To see what kind of sediment is in your tank or to get some of the sediment out of the bottom of your tank, you can partially or fully flush your water heater. Click here for instructions on How to Flush Your Water Heater.
WARNING: Hot water is dangerous. Discharge the water into a floor drain, laundry tub, or bathtub. Hot water will kill your grass if allowed to run on your lawn and can also crack a toilet bowl if put directly into a toilet. Also, remember to turn off the power to the water heater before draining it.
Water heaters have a life expectancy of 6-10 years. So, if your water heater is an older model, it may be cost-effective to replace the water heater if the buildup is severe. Unfortunately, you can’t tell when a water heater will essentially fail, it’s impossible to predict.
If you’re not sure about the noises that are happening with your water heater or would like to have it checked out or flushed by a professional, give us a call!
