Strange Noises in a Water Heater: How to Diagnose Odd Sounds

If you do not know how a water heater actually works, you are definitely not alone. Just mention it in conversation at work or with a neighbor sometime and you will find that you are in good company. Most probably because when we were all children and the home water heater (sometimes referred to as a hot water tank)happened to break and not produce anymore hot water, it was usually replaced and no one spoke about it again. Come along with me and lets have a quick review on home water heaters.

A water heater regularly provides your home and family with hot water. Whenever you turn on your hot water, cold water enters your water heater to replace the water you are currently using. It comes with a thermostat that automatically turns on the heater whenever the water in your tank falls below the level that you have previously selected on the front of your tank. When you go away on vacation, you should really consider turning down the thermostat on your water heater so that you are not wasting energy while you are away.

Usually if a water heater is not producing hot water (it it is a gas one) check to be sure the pilot light is lit. Then, simply turn the dial on the front to the next highest setting and give that a try. Should the water be too hot, turn it down to a lower setting.

If your water heater is leaking, check around the pipes first to see if the water is actually coming from that area. If you are good with plumbing, you can repair this problem or you can always call a plumber to help out. If the water leak is coming from the tank itself, you will need to replace your water heater.

Sometimes you may walk by your water heater and notice something that doesn’t seem just right. For instance, if it tends to sound like a bowling alley this usually indicates calcium or hard water deposits within the tank. Unfortunately, there is no quick fix for this as you cannot take the tank apart, which means it is time for a new one.

Another issue can be that it is whistling. This could be your pressure relief valve. If you are handy, you may be able to replace it yourself. You would need to take the valve with you to a home improvement store so that you purchase the correct part for the job. I would strongly suggest that you research online how to properly make this repair before you touch any part of the water heater as there are many safety issues involved on such tasks. Keeping your water heater setting at high will many times wear out your pressure relief valve prematurely. It’s best to keep it at medium and save yourself a few dollars on your utility bill.

My water heater is about two years old and, to be honest, I pay very little attention to it. It does a fine job with my leaving it alone. I do turn it down when going away. While doing laundry, I do, on occasion, hear it lighting up to heat up the water. At my house we have needed to replace water heaters and usually it happens well after my husband has stated to me that the water heater is on the “watch list.” Meaning that we will be purchasing one in the next few months and he always seems to be right about it.