Plenty of sounds can result from the inner workings of our homes, but is it normal for a water heater to make noise? Strange sounds can be concerning, especially during the winter months. In this post, the experts at Gold Star Services discuss the most common hot water heater noises and what you can do about them.

Is It Normal for a Water Heater to Make Noise?

A water heater will usually make some kind of noise. Normal noises should be very quiet and not disruptive. They may include soft hissing or clicking noises as your water heater operates. It is a good idea to familiarize yourself with the day-to-day noises of your water heater so you can tell if it starts to make unusual noises.

Hard Water and Tank Noise

Hard water occurs when there is an excess of calcium, magnesium and other minerals present in your water. These minerals can leave behind sediment which builds up in your water heater tank over time. Eventually, this sediment sinks to the bottom of your tank. As steam bubbles try to get through the sediment, you might hear popping, knocking or banging noises.

What to Do About Hard Water

Hard water is fairly common in plumbing systems. Even though this issue doesn’t warrant immediately shutting your system off and making an emergency appointment, you should still contact an HVAC professional for an appointment as soon as possible.

An insulating layer of sediment at the bottom of a tank can cause the system to use up more energy and work less efficiently. Sediment build-up makes it difficult for heat to transfer to the water. This can leave you with lukewarm, instead of hot water. Eventually, as your hot water heater works harder to compensate, it can cause the tank to overheat, wearing away the protective lining inside of your tank. Once this happens, your tank can rust inside and warrant a full replacement.

Other Noises

Hearing other noises, like buzzing, hissing, or squealing? Confident that it’s not a hard water issue? Any unusual noise from your water heater is worth a call to a professional. A checkup can prevent costly flooding and keep your water heater working efficiently (and quietly).

Work with a Professional

A qualified technician can diagnose the problem, flush your tank out if needed and inspect it for any damage or parts in need of replacing. It’s always a good idea to schedule regular annual maintenance, especially before the winter months, to ensure your system works safely and efficiently.

Gold Star Services offers trustworthy, reliable and professional help! Our services include heating, cooling and water heater repair, replacement and maintenance. Call 1-302-947-8694 to get started with Gold Star Services today!