Why Is My water Heater Making  Knocking Noise

Your water heater quietly performs its duty day in and day out, providing you with the comfort of hot water for various household tasks. However, if you’ve started to notice strange noises emanating from your water heater, it can be concerning and disruptive. Understanding the reasons behind these noises is essential to diagnose and address the issue effectively. In this article, we delve into the common causes of a noisy water heater and offer insights into resolving them.

Sediment Buildup:

One of the primary culprits behind noisy water heaters is sediment buildup. Over time, minerals and debris in the water can settle at the bottom of the tank, forming a layer of sediment. When the water heater heats the water, it causes the trapped sediment to heat up and expand, creating popping, cracking, or rumbling sounds. These noises are particularly common in older water heaters or areas with hard water. Read more here.

Solution: Flushing the water heater tank to remove sediment buildup can alleviate the noise and improve the heater’s efficiency. 

Notice: producers recommend that water heater maintenance should be one time per year.  

Regular maintenance, including flushing the tank annually, can help prevent sediment-related issues. Get your guid “How to flush your water heater”.

Pressure Relief Valve:

The pressure relief valve is a critical safety component of the water heater that releases excess pressure to prevent tank rupture. If the pressure relief valve malfunctions or is improperly adjusted, it may cause hissing or whistling noises as steam or water escapes from the valve. Read more about PRV.

Adjusting: Checking the pressure relief valve for proper operation and adjusting it according to the manufacturer’s instructions can address noise issues associated with pressure release. 

Solution: If the valve is faulty, it should be replaced promptly to ensure the water heater’s safety and functionality.

Noisy water heaters can be a nuisance, but understanding the underlying causes can help you identify and resolve the issue effectively. Whether it’s sediment buildup, or a malfunctioning pressure relief valve, timely maintenance and repairs can help your water heater stay in good technical condition 

It is worth noting that the manufacturers of water hitters recommend a mandatory inspection once a year. Regular inspections and preventive measures can also help prolong the lifespan of your water heater. If it has been a year since the last inspection then you can call us and we will tell you what needs to be done next.

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