If you have installed a hot water system in your home, it's important to ensure it functions optimally. One of the signs you should look out for is strange noises. Water heaters can make noise as they go about their usual job of heating water and sending it to your appliances. Although the noise is annoying, it usually indicates that something isn't working properly. To quiet things down, your system has to be checked out; this will also prevent further damage. Below are key reasons why your hot water system could be noisy.
Rumbling
When water temperature increases, water in the tank starts to expand and escapes from under the sediment. If your water system is making a rumbling sound, you should know that water is making its way through the sediment. The rumbling sound is only produced when the sediment builds up and reaches a critical level. While this isn't dangerous, the heater isn't operating effectively. Consider contacting your plumbing expert to flush the sediment build-up.
Hammer or knock sound
This is the most annoying noise a water system can produce. It sounds like a hammer or knock and occurs when the water flowing through the system is shut off abruptly. Due to this, the water cannot flow to its destination, so the only option is to flow in reverse to its initial source — your water heater.
The knocking sound doesn't originate from the water heater, but it's destructive. Other than causing a pipe to burst, serious water heater problems can be created. A force within your pipes can make the tank shell expand, deform the tank's top and even collapse your flue tube. A water hammer arrestor can be installed to keep the water heater and plumbing protected. The device absorbs the shock waves that are created when the flow of water ends abruptly.
Bubbling
When your water heater starts to make a bubbling noise, you need to get in touch with your hot water specialists. The noise is made when the heater overheats or pressure builds up. This problem is extremely dangerous and requires immediate attention, so you should contact an emergency plumber for prompt assistance.
Humming
A humming sound may also be produced when your water heater is running. This noise is caused by either of the two heating elements. Each time cold water gets into the tank, its upper heating element may hum and vibrate. This noise is annoying, but it isn't harmful to the water heater or heating element. To stop the noise, consider tightening the heating element with an element wrench.
