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Is your water heater making noise, such as a loud and disturbing banging noise? Then you should not ignore it. If you hear this sound, you want to know why and how to eliminate it. Most of the time, this sound should not be overlooked. Almost all water heaters, including gas heater or electric ones, can develop problems from these noises. Knowledge of the possible causes can enable you to maintain the right measures and avoid any related issues worsening, thus having to be repaired expensively.
Every time your water heater produces a banging noise, it may not be a serious issue, and this can be alarming. Banging sounds can range from a low to a crackling pop-like noise. They normally happen during the heating cycle when the water heater is running. Whether they are related to the heating process remains uncertain.
Such equipment are the water heaters in which water is heated and stored in a tank, and therefore, if there is a problem, you will hear some strange sounds. To make it easier to understand what is happening with the system, we will examine the leading causes of these noises.
Problems such as banging, knocking, or pounding sound in water heaters are generally caused by sediment accumulation. Periodically, scales such as calcium and lime may deposit at the base within the tank. These minerals settle on the water heater when it is heating water, holding pockets of water below them. When the heater remains on, the water trapped below that sediment starts boiling, forming pressure that can lead to bubbling or popping noises. This finally leads to what you hear as a banging or rumbling sound.
Solution: It may be tempting to do this less often, but sediment will most certainly accumulate if it is not done routinely. This clears the holding capacity clogged with mineral deposits, making the tank function as expected. It is recommended to call a plumber if you are not sure how to flush your water heater.
High or fluctuating water pressure is another well-known reason people can hear banging sounds. When water pressure in a home is too high, water forcefully hits the walls or the tank’s pipe, leading to some banging noise. The pressure relief valve of your water heater could be damaged, which will only worsen the problem. This can also put pressure on the system, and there is a danger of leakage or the tank collapsing.
Solution: This is often prevented by changing the shower’s water pressure. Increased pressure can be equalized by fitting a pressure-reducing valve, reducing the system’s noise.
Even pipes that are merely poorly connected may also cause these banging sounds. As your water heater works, the pressure from the water and flow creates some vibration in pipes, which can cause even more if they are well connected. This vibration may lead to noises such as banging or even clanking noises. Pipes that are loosely fixed to the wall can also vibrate slightly, therefore coming into contact with adjacent surfaces.
Gaskets can also work to avoid rattling or banging noise caused by vibrations if all pipes are adequately secured.
Water heaters receive significant fluctuations in temperature throughout the day. Since the water heater is designed to heat water, the metal tank and its components expand when it warms up. When the water comes into contact with the heater, the same parts in the heater shrink down. Here, ‘popping and banging ‘refers to the expansion and contraction effect that causes sound. While this noise is often non-threatening, it can be destructive.
Solution: Regrettably, there is little that one can do to prevent this mechanism altogether. However, if the noise is too high or objectionable, pipe insulation or water heater blankets should be installed to reduce the sound. This noise is usually considered to be within the normal range; therefore, it should not be a cause for alarm unless it becomes so.
If you neglect the banging sound from your water heater, you will be setting yourself up for other problems in the future. When sediment buildup is not tackled, this can lead to overheating of the tank, poor efficiency, or even destruction of the tank. It increases pressure on the components, leading to leakage or tank failure. Leaking pipes or wrong joints will likely cause someone to spend a lot of money on plumbing.
Fixing these problems early guarantees your water heater is working optimally, thus reducing power consumption and resulting in no expensive repair bills.
If your water heater is making banging noises, flushing is one of the best ways to remove the sediment accumulated on the bottom of the tank. To flush your tank:
Heating should be flushed at least once a year to ensure the heater works properly.
To address water pressure issues:
This may help decrease the pressure in your water system and decrease the chances of the water heater making loud banging sounds.
Loose parts may be observed on the pipes and the connections. For pipes that must move for whatever reason during the water flow, then ensure that the pipes have been fixed in place by bracketing or insulation to avoid unnecessary movement. Tight pipes minimize vibration because you get those rattling noises when sound ripples through a loose pipe.
If, after implementing the above ideas, the banging noise still goes on, it may be high time you seek the service of an expert. A licensed plumber can rectify the root problem, such as ruptured pressure regulators or badly eroded valves, or if elements such as sediments have accumulated to a huge extent within the tank. If your water heater is old or has any tell-tale signs of problems, getting a professional to fix it can prevent the situation from worsening and get costly fixes.
Magnificent plumbing identifies the causes of water heater problems and solutions to issues like sediments, water pressure, and loose pipes. If there is a banging noise coming out of your water heater, then give us a call before the issue gets worse. Come now for professional plumbing solutions and maintain an efficient, noise-free water heater.