Understanding and Fixing Noisy Water Heaters
Living in Mesquite, Nevada, you rely on your water heater for daily tasks like taking showers, doing laundry, and washing dishes. But when your water heater starts making strange noises, it can be concerning. Some sounds may be harmless, while others could indicate a more serious issue. Let's take a look at the common reasons why your water heater might be making noise and how you can address the problem.
Sediment Buildup
Mesquite is known for its hard water, which contains higher levels of minerals like calcium and magnesium. Over time, these minerals can settle at the bottom of your water heater tank, creating sediment. When the water heats up, the sediment can cause popping, crackling, or rumbling sounds. If left unaddressed, sediment buildup can reduce your heater’s efficiency and shorten its lifespan.
Solution: Regularly flushing your water heater can remove sediment and improve performance. This is especially important in areas with hard water, like Mesquite.
Water Pressure Issues
High water pressure can cause banging or knocking sounds in your water heater. This is more likely if your home’s water pressure exceeds the recommended 80 psi. Excess pressure not only causes noise but can also damage your heater and plumbing over time.
Solution: Consider installing a pressure-reducing valve to regulate your home’s water pressure and prevent damage.
Expansion and Contraction of Metal Parts
Water heaters contain metal components that expand and contract as they heat up and cool down. In Mesquite’s desert climate, where temperatures can fluctuate significantly, you may hear clicking or ticking noises as these parts adjust.
Solution: This is usually a normal occurrence and nothing to worry about. However, if the noise becomes louder or more frequent, it might be worth having a professional plumber inspect the unit.
Loose Heating Element
If you have an electric water heater, a loose heating element could be the source of a humming or vibrating noise. When water flows through the tank, it can cause the loose element to vibrate, creating a noise that grows over time.
Solution: Tightening the heating element can usually resolve the issue and stop the noise.
Water Hammer
A water hammer happens when water flow is suddenly stopped or redirected, creating a banging sound as water crashes into a closed valve. This can happen within your water heater or the surrounding plumbing.
Solution: Installing a water hammer arrestor can help absorb the shock and reduce the noise.
When to Call a Professional in Mesquite
If you’ve tried addressing the possible causes of the noise but your water heater continues to make sounds, it’s best to contact a licensed plumber in Mesquite. Ignoring the issue could lead to more serious problems, such as leaks or a full water heater breakdown, which could result in costly water heater repairs or even replacement.
Understanding the reasons behind your noisy water heater can help you resolve the issue before it worsens. In Mesquite’s climate, where hard water and temperature fluctuations are common, regular maintenance is key to keeping your water heater running smoothly.
