Why is my Hot Water Cylinder Making a Noise?
Here are some common causes of noises from your hot water cylinder and what they might signify:
Sediment Buildup
Over time, sediment from your water supply can accumulate at the bottom of the cylinder. As the element heats the water, it can hit this sediment, causing clicking, cracking, or rumbling noises. Flushing the tank yearly helps prevent excessive buildup.
Expansion and Contraction
As water heats and cools, it naturally expands and contracts. You might hear creaking or groaning noises coming from the tank as the metal walls react to these temperature changes. This usually poses no threat unless very loud or frequent.
Element Failure
Do you wonder why is my hot water cylinder making a humming sound? If you hear sizzling, buzzing, or humming coming from the cylinder, the electric heating element could be failing or shorting out. This is where a hot water tank sounds like a kettle. Have a professional inspect and test the element for faults. Leaving a failing element unattended risks fire or shock.
Loose Parts
Various valves, pipes, and fittings connect to the water heater. If any of these components become loose due to corrosion, vibration, or improper installation, they can rattle or knock as water flows through the tank. Tightening any loose parts typically eliminates noise. But if you don’t have any expertise, you need to get the help of a hot water cylinder repairs specialist.
High Water Pressure
Excessive water pressure entering or leaving the cylinder strains many internal parts. This extra stress can lead to unusual noises like banging or high-pitched squealing. Installing a regulator moderates pressure for quieter function.
In rare cases, loud rumbling or roaring resembling a jet engine can signal a dangerous flammable hydrogen gas buildup inside the tank. This warrants immediate professional assistance. Do not attempt to operate electrical switches or test the element yourself under these circumstances.
Is It Normal for a Hot Water Cylinder to Make Some Noise?
While most water heaters make muffled sounds during heating cycles, loud or persistent noises usually indicate problems needing attention. Here is what’s considered normal and abnormal:
Normal Sounds
Faint humming or buzzing from the heating element
Infrequent creaks or groans from expansion and contraction
Short cracking when sediment shifts
Abnormal Sounds
Banging, knocking or rattling pipes
Sizzling or buzzing from the electric element
Loud rumbling or roaring
High pitched squealing or whistling
In general, inquiries about any sound that registers above a quiet hum warrant hiring a professional hot water cylinder inspector. They can identify the root cause and solution to restore quiet operation. Ignoring abnormal sounds risks more expensive repairs or failures down the road.
How Do You Fix a Noisy Hot Water Heater?
The specific steps to fix a noisy hot water tank depend on what’s causing the sounds. But how do you fix a noisy hot water pipe or cylinder? Here is how to troubleshoot and quiet some common offenders:
Sediment Buildup
Draining the cylinder through the drain valve flushes out mineral deposits and debris. You can further clean the tank by removing heating elements and thoroughly rinsing the bottom with a garden hose. Perform this annually.
Loose Components
If pipes, valves, or fittings connected to the cylinder rattle, check and manually tighten any loose parts first. Still noisy? Replace worn gaskets, fittings, valve seats, or piping.
Excessive Water Pressure
Verify your home’s static water pressure exceeds 80 psi, the maximum rating for residential heaters. If yes, install a pressure reducing valve set to 50-60 psi. This regulates flow for quieter function.
Failing Element
Strange buzzing or sizzling signals a failing electric element. Shut off power, drain all water, then replace the heating assembly. Ensure the replacement element matches your heater’s specifications.
For gas water heaters making abnormal noises, hiring a specialised plumber is best. Whether you hear a hot water tank noise night or water heater making noise when water is off, an expert can help you find the right solution. They can inspect the pilot assembly, gas valve, supply lines and other unique components that may require cleaning, adjustments or replacement.
Is a Noisy Water Heater Dangerous?
Most noises signal minor issues, but certain sounds indicate serious hazards requiring immediate response:
Popping or Banging
If loud popping starts emanating from the temperature and pressure relief valve, dangerous pressure buildup exists within the cylinder. Shut off the power supply and contact a plumber to diagnose overheating issues. Just explain that your water heater sounds like water running and you can get the right fix.
Hissing
Does water heater make noise when heating? Consistent hissing indicates a steam leak at fittings, valves or pipe connections. Left unaddressed, escaping steam can badly scald skin. Turn off the unit and have a plumber identify and seal any faulty plumbing.
Roaring or Rumbling
As noted previously, these jet engine-like noises may result from flammable hydrogen gas accumulation within the tank. This is where water heater sounds like a jet engine Shut off the power, avoid using electrical devices near the heater, evacuate the home and arrangements for a professional inspection. Do not attempt to operate the unit yourself until the gas issue is corrected.
Final Words
While some normal operational sounds are expected from hot water cylinders, unusual noises should never be ignored. Constant loud noises point to underlying issues needing diagnosis and repair for safe ongoing operation. When in doubt about a peculiar sound, reach out to water heater specialists.
Use our contact us page to reach us and we will be more than happy to discuss your hot water situation. Or give us a call on 0800 497658.
At Hot Water Solutions all we do is hot water!
