You’re not alone if your electric water heater is making strange noises. Many homeowners experience sounds like popping, hissing, banging, or humming from their water heater. While some noises are harmless, others could signal underlying issues that need immediate attention. In this guide, we’ll help you diagnose the cause of your noisy water heater and provide solutions to fix it.
Common Noises from an Electric Water Heater and Their Causes
1. Popping or Crackling Sounds
Cause: Sediment buildup at the bottom of the tank.
Solution: Over time, minerals from hard water accumulate at the bottom of the water heater. When the heating element tries to heat water trapped in the sediment, it creates a popping or crackling noise.
Fix: Drain and flush your water heater to remove sediment buildup (see steps below).
2. Hissing or Sizzling Sounds
Cause: Water leaking onto the heating element.
Solution: If you hear a hissing or sizzling noise, it’s likely due to water coming into contact with an overheated or faulty heating element.
Fix: Check for leaks around the heating element and tighten connections. If the element is corroded or damaged, replace it.
3. Banging or Knocking Sounds (Water Hammer Effect)
Cause: Sudden water pressure changes in the pipes.
Solution: This happens when water flow is abruptly stopped, causing a pressure surge in the pipes, which makes them vibrate and bang against walls.
Fix: Install a water hammer arrestor or adjust the water pressure in your home to prevent these sudden pressure changes.
4. Humming Noise
Cause: Loose heating element.
Solution: If your electric water heater makes a low humming sound, it could be because the heating element is slightly loose, causing it to vibrate.
Fix: Tighten the heating element with a wrench to secure it in place.
5. Ticking or Tapping Sounds
Cause: Expanding and contracting pipes.
Solution: As hot water moves through the system, pipes expand and contract, which may cause ticking sounds.
Fix: If the noise is excessive, adding foam pipe insulation can help absorb the expansion.
Call HVAC Contractor In Surrey
If your water heater is still making noise after trying these solutions, it may be time to call a Surrey Plumber or water heater technician. Seek professional help if:
✔ The water heater is leaking excessively.
✔ You notice burn marks or electrical damage near the heating element.
✔ The noises are getting worse despite flushing and maintenance.
A noisy electric water heater can be annoying, but in most cases, the issue is easy to fix. Regular maintenance, such as flushing the tank and checking for leaks, can prevent these noises from occurring. If you’re unsure or dealing with a complex issue, don’t hesitate to call a professional for assistance.
At Guru Plumbing & Heating, we specialize in diagnosing and fixing water heater problems quickly and efficiently. Whether it’s a noisy water heater, a leak, or a complete replacement, our expert team is here to help. We offer fast, reliable, and affordable services to ensure your home stays comfortable and your water heater runs smoothly.
Need Help? Contact Guru Plumbing & Heating today for professional water heater repair and maintenance services In Surrey! Let our experienced technicians restore peace to your home.
