It’s not uncommon for your water heater to make a mild humming or whirring sound while it’s running. However, there are certain noises that point to water heater trouble. For instance, a loud banging noise coming from your water heater indicates sediment buildup at the bottom of the tank. Some homeowners ignore water heater noises, thinking they’ll go away, but in most cases, they only get worse over time. It’s best to seek help from a professional plumber in Wichita, KS specializing in water heater services.
As a reputable plumbing service for over 50 years, we’ve heard them all over the years. From humming sounds caused by a faulty heating element to water hammer and banging resulting from sediment buildup, each noise tells a story about what’s happening inside your water heater. In this post, we’ll share reasons why you shouldn’t ignore strange noises coming from your water heater. The next time you need an expert to inspect your water heater, get in touch with Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Wichita.
Sediment Buildup Is a Common Culprit
One of the most common causes of strange water heater noises is sediment buildup inside the tank. Over time, minerals from your water settle at the bottom of the tank and harden. This may not seem serious at first, but sediment can reduce heating efficiency, increase your energy bills, and shorten the lifespan of your water heater. Our plumbers recommend you flush your water heater at least once a year to get rid of any sediment buildup at the bottom of the tank.
Humming or Vibrating Sounds May Signal Loose Parts
A low humming or vibrating sound means the heating element inside your unit is slightly loose. When water flows around it, the vibration causes the sound. While the sound doesn’t usually cause immediate damage, it should be checked to ensure the part doesn’t wear out prematurely. The common remedy is calling a local plumbing repair service to tighten or replace the element.
Rumbling Could Indicate Pressure Problems
If your water heater sounds like it’s rumbling, especially when heating, that can point to pressure issues within the tank. As water heats and expands, it should be safely regulated by your unit. But when sediment buildup or a faulty expansion tank interferes, pressure can build and cause the rumbling noise. Left unchecked, this can lead to leaks or even dangerous tank failure.
Water Hammer and Banging Pipes
Sometimes the noise you hear may not come directly from the water heater but from the pipes connected to it. Water hammer occurs when water flow stops suddenly, causing pipes to bang loudly. This issue not only damages your pipes but can also stress your water heater connections. Installing water hammer arrestors or pressure-regulating valves can help minimize the problem.
Why You Shouldn’t Wait to Call for Help
It’s tempting to hope those strange noises will fade away, but in most cases, they only get worse over time. Ignoring the sounds could mean higher energy bills, inconsistent hot water, or a complete breakdown of your system. Worse yet, unresolved water heater problems can lead to leaks and water damage in your home. A quick inspection from a professional plumber ensures that small problems don’t turn into emergencies. An expert can perform an in-depth inspection and advise you whether you need repairs or a full water heater replacement.
Schedule Your Water Heater Service Today
A water heater making unusual noises is trying to tell you something. When you act fast and call a nearby plumbing repair service for help, you can avoid water damage and sudden breakdowns, save energy, and keep hot water flowing. If you’re dealing with a noisy water heater, reach out to the skilled plumbers at Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Wichita for help. With decades of experience servicing all types of water heaters, we are the pros you can rely on to restore your water heater to good working order. From new installations to emergency repairs and water heater replacement, we’ve got you covered.
