Behind door number one… we have sediment!The most common complaint of a noisy water heater is the result of sediment accumulation in the water heater tank. If we were to take apart your water heater what would you expect to see inside?
There is an accumulation of sediment in the tank (even in small amounts) that will create noises which begin shortly after the main burner ignites and the tank bottom heats up. The sound is usually described as popping, rumbling or boiling in the tank.
There are minerals in everyone’s water supply which settle to the tank’s bottom after being heated. Once they settle they form a hard layer of scale in which small air pockets form between the tank and the layer of sediment.
As the minerals are continually heated the air pockets are released thus creating the noise.
[Tankless Water Heaters DO NOT have this problem]
Just like that non-toxic “rotten-egg” smell that you have due to materials interacting with one another found in your water, sediment is also in all water supplies and there is no way to completely stop it from forming in the conventional water heater.
Periodic draining does help, but it will not always eliminate the problem all together.
Expansion and contraction of some metal parts during periods of heat up and cool down is not uncommon and does not represent harmful or dangerous conditions.
Condensation may also cause sizzling and popping noises within the burner area during heating periods.
That loud banging sound you hear in your pipes is referred to as a “water hammer” noise and that sound is due to high water pressure in the home’s plumbing system. That high pressure can result in leaking water heaters, pounding water pipes and excessive wear on appliances. The water hammer or “surge” is caused by the bounced back or shock of highly pressurized water when a fixture or appliance is opened or closed quickly.
To avoid damage to the water heater DRF recommends installing a pressure regulating valve upstream to your plumbing system that will maintain the outlet pressure to about 45 to 50 pounds per square inch or installing a properly sized expansion tank.
DRF Water Heating Solutions is your hot water expert. If you have questions, we have answers! Want to find the perfect water heater to suit your specific needs? Call 630-615-7000
With same day installation and a 30 day price guarantee, you are in in good hands!
