It is quite a nuisance when a water heater begins to make weird noises. When your hot water heater makes high-pitched noise, that indicates a problem in the unit. There could be many reasons behind that however, the most likely, it could be because of the sediment accumulation in the heater.
What is Sediment?
Sediment is the matter that settles down at the bottom of the heater. This piles up on the surface when the water heater is not drained regularly, causing the rambling noise. Thus, giving an escape to the hot water, affecting the efficiency of the water.
If the unit has been taken care of properly then, it can easily last long for around 15 to 25 years however, this only will not justify the malfunctioning of the water heater.
When the unit beings to make high pitched noise, this indicates that there might be
- Corrosion (rust) in the tank
- Leakage
- Presence of bacteria in the unit
- Smelly water
- Unit fails to heat up the water
Apart from the sediment, there is a possibility for other issues too.
Reasons for Hot Water Heater Making High Pitched Noise
To know what is causing the weird noises coming out of the water heater, there could be some possible reasons for that.
1. Sediment deposit
When the debris or the sediment builds up at the bottom, this makes the hot water heater overheat which causes malfunctioning. However, in some cases, the sediment causes a leakage which makes the unit produce noise.
2. Mineral Accumulation
In the tank, in some areas, there are chances that a significant amount of minerals have built up. Such water, having a large number of minerals in hard water which is more likely to damage the units and also slow down the efficiency of the water heater.
3. The Popping Sound
Another reason for the annoying popping sound is the age of the water heater. On average, a water heater (the tank hot water heater) lasts for 6 to 8 years but sometimes the build of limescale. At that moment, you need to clean the tank of the water heater.
4. Rumbling Sound
It is not necessary that the high-pitched sound are the reason for the malfunctioning of the unit, sometimes it is produced because of the water heating up. Other than that, there is another possibility that the dirt might have been piled up in the heater. This would not cause any harm to the unit but, it can affect the performance of your water heater.
5. Simultaneous Noises; Hissing, Sizzling or Crackling
All of these sounds are produced when there is debris accumulation on the heating element of your water heater. In order to get rid of it, it is important to drain your tank, bring the part out of your tank and try to fix it.
To clean that part, all you have to do is soak that piece in a container filled with vinegar. After that use a wire brush to remove the debris out of it.
6. The Sizzling Noise
The sizzling noise indicates the water flow; not flowing as it has to be. You have to relieve the pressure valve by checking the temperature. This will release the water and remove the excess pressure. Try to fix it yourself if it does not work, call the professionals.
7. Sound Coming our of Pipes
The pipes are more likely to produce annoying sounds when the water either cold or hot running through it changes the pressure. With the increased pressure in the pipe, the pipe will expand and bump into things and begins to make a tickling noise.
You have to find the spot first from where the noise is coming then, you can fix them by using the right tools.
8. Leaking Noises
Sometimes, the sizzling noise comes due to leakage of the unit. This takes place when the water (the freshwater) heats up and starts sizzling against the burner. It is recommended to call a professional in order to fix it as a minor mistake can cost you a lot.
These are more likely the noises that you might hear from your unit however, here we are sharing some manual fixes that you can do without any expert.
How to Fix the Hot Water Heater Making High Pitched Noise?
In order to fix your noisy water heater, all you have to do is follow the following steps.
1. Pressure check
Another reason for high pitched noise of hot water heater is due to the increased pressure. Check if the valve is too hot to touch, if yes then lower down the temperature of the heater.
2. Testing the Thermostat
The second step to this is checking if the thermostat, the water might be making noise at that time.
3. Removing the Sediment
Sediment is caused due to hard water. The excessive amount of sediment if build up on the heating element, causes the nuisance of the water heater. To prevent the matter buildup, all you have to do is drain the water regularly. That means you have drained the heater after every use.
4. Flushing out the Tank
When nothing else works, try to flush out the water tank and look out for the sediment buildup in the bottom. Try to get rid of it yourself, if you fail to do so, it is recommended to call the professional plumber.
In the End
Sediment, rust, minerals, and limescale are usually the reason behind the malfunctioning of your water heater. However, it is important to identify the sound in order to know what is the cause of the nuisance sound of the unit. In this blog, we have compiled a list of the noises as well as the reasons and quick fixes that you can do without the help of an expert.