Water heaters are an essential appliance in the home and we often depend on them several times a day. As a result, when a unit starts making new or unusual noises, it can be disconcerting. In this post, our Gold Star Services experts discuss the most common causes for a water heater making vibrating noise.

Water Heater Making Vibrating Noise: Possible Causes

Water heaters provide us with the hot water we use for cleaning, cooking, bathing and showering. Since these are often daily activities, losing water heater functionality even for a day can cause major inconveniences in the home. While some measure of noise is to be expected during operation, if you notice new or disruptive vibrating or humming coming from your water heater, the following issues might be at work:

1. Sediment Build-up

This problem often occurs when dealing with hard water—a situation where there is excess amounts of calcium, magnesium and other minerals present in the water supply. These minerals leave sediment deposits in your tank which can build up over time, leading to a range of noises, from banging and popping to vibrating or humming. Homeowners often notice a decrease in system efficiency alongside these tank noises, with previously hot water becoming lukewarm over time.

The fix for sediment build-up is typically a matter of flushing the tank. A professional HVAC technician can take care of this for you, as well as inspect your unit for any damage caused by hardened sediment.

2. Loose Parts

Loose parts, including valves or pipework can lead to vibrating or humming noises. A cursory inspection might reveal a fix as simple as tightening screws or insulating pipework where it makes contact with support brackets or other hardware. If the cause isn’t obvious, or you are unable to fix the problem, it’s time to contact a professional.

Work with Gold Star Services!

An annual system tune-up can prevent issues like sediment build-up, loose/worn-out parts or more complex problems like inappropriate system size or type for the space. Gold Star Services has a team of highly skilled HVAC technicians ready to help! Our services include heating, cooling and water heater repair, replacement and maintenance. Call 1-302-947-8694 to connect with Gold Star Services today!