The water heater is an essential appliance in any St. Cloud home. It provides hot water necessary for bathing, cooking, and cleaning, and it generally does its job efficiently and goes unnoticed. However, perhaps you have noticed your water heater more recently because it is making strange noises. You know, those popping and rumbling noises or even screeching and sizzling sounds.

Strange noises from your water heater can be unsettling or even alarming. Well, there’s good reason to be concerned about your water heater if you do hear any of the strange noises coming from it. Read on to learn what causes those noises and what should be done about it to prevent a plumbing emergency.

POPPING & RUMBLING NOISES

Two of the most common strange noises water heaters can make are popping and rumbling sounds. When you hear popping and rumbling from your water heater, it typically means that there is an excess amount of sediment and mineral deposits on the bottom of the tank. These minerals often include calcium carbonate, limestone, and/or calcium sulfate, and eventually cause havoc for plumbing and water heaters.

Over time, the buildup of mineral deposits and sediment trap water at the bottom of the water heater. When this water is heated, bubbles are released that break through the sediment and mineral deposits and cause the popping and rumbling sounds.

Fortunately, there’s an easy solution to popping and rumbling noises. The water heater needs to be flushed out and cleaned to remove the mineral deposits and sediment buildup. This is the perfect job for your Roto-Rooter Plumbing & Water Cleanup plumbing professional! We can drain and clean your water heater, which will make it operate as it should and give you cleaner water in your home.

SCREECHING NOISES

Your water heater needs free flowing water into and out of it in order to work efficiently. If you hear screeching noises from the water heater, it is typically a sign of a water flow restriction. The common culprit for water flow restriction is the water inlet control valve. If the valve is partially closed, it will prevent water from freely flowing through the pipes.

Make sure the water inlet control valve is fully open so that water flow isn’t restricted. This should solve the problem of screeching noises.

SIZZLING NOISES

Another strange noise indicative of water heaters that need attention are sizzling sounds. Sizzling noises should raise a red flag because they often indicate a leak in the water heater. What happens is leaking water drips onto the burner. Of course, the burner evaporates the dripping water and makes the sizzling sound.

A leaking water heater is a recipe for a plumbing disaster. If the water leak is due to rust, the water heater should be replaced right away. You don’t want dozens of gallons of water spilling inside your St. Cloud home. If the water leak is due to a worn gasket, then your water heater may be fine with professional service to replace old and worn gaskets.

Remember, water heaters need regular professional maintenance just like any other essential appliance. If you’re experiencing problems with your water heater or would like to schedule maintenance, call on Roto-Rooter Plumbing & Water Cleanup today at (320) 207-1079! We’re standing by 24/7 for all of your residential and commercial plumbing needs.