Noisy water heater

[808 Vibes]

Should I be concerned that this 2 year old water heater from Blowes just started making different noises? From the beginning I noticed this water heater made different noises from the two prior water heaters, which only used to make slight hissing noises. This one made kind of clicking noises, and just recently started making like croaking noises. Do I need to shut off the main water valve when I go out? I'm worried about this stupid thing bursting or something.

[star_deceiver]

Is it natural gas or electric? The NG one here makes the odd noise but nothing more than light creaks and the minor hiss of heating water. And to be safe, I'd make sure that the floor drain is clear!

[CAMOGIRL]

Mine bubbles and bangs and pops as it's heating the water... The dogs LOVE it! It's done it for 3 years, and so do mu grandparents. It shouldn't blow up as long as it has the overflow valve on it... but I agree:Quote, originally posted by star_deceiver » And to be safe, I'd make sure that the floor drain is clear!

[808 Vibes]

It's electric, and it now makes these croaking sounds when I'm not using any hot water (I hear it when I'm trying to sleep at night, early in the morning) I'm worried, so I've shut off the main water valve because I need to go pay a bill.

[09vGT]

We have an electric one at home. Its extremely loud, constantly making banging noises and what not. THEN.. a stream of water started leaking from it. So it needs to be replaced, its been fixed to a "slow drip"..On the other hand, in my town house where "I myself" live, I have an electric water heater and it is SILENT. I've NEVER heard it make ANY noise. But its also probably around a year old. So.. maybe you should call someone to come look..

[djkeev]

Do you have a lot of sediment in your water? Hook up a hose to the valve on the lower portion and open the valve. If you've got sediment it should flush out, put the hose in a bucket and see what you get.The element could also be getting coated with minerals from the water. It builds up a scale on it that can cause noises.Make sure you've got a safety release valve on the top ir side of the heater. If you do, no worries about explosions though leaks can happen. If truly concerned, have someone come take a look. Or, pay airfare and the wife and I will be out next week to check it for you!!http://www.watts.com/pages/support/tp.asp?catId=64Dave

[keithvibe]

It should make noise in it's in heating cycle.. and electric heaters do heat almost constant.What is the:Make:Model:Gallon size:I'll look in to the issues and report back if I find anything for you.

[808 Vibes]

Whirlpool E2 (?) 40 gal. electric, installed 8/09.

[keithvibe]

well there is your issue right there..... whirlpool.... crap... junk... POS...Your kinda lucky it lasted this long.. whirlpools have a bad wrap in the plumbing community. Usually they last about a year or two before things go south fast.Those who do have a whirlpool with no issues... your luckyIf I were you take advantage of the warranty, that is if they honor it and have it replaced by a good make, such as bradford white or rheem

[10vibe]

SHUT OFF POWER FIRST!If you drain and flush the heater, make sure you shut off the power at the circuit breaker first. Shut off water and drain. Some people like to then turn on water and flush a little, then close drain, fill and drain again. As you are filling, you should turn on a faucet closest in line to heater to vent air. IT might also help to drain if you turn on a faucet. Two people will save some leg work. Be prepared to let faucet run a while to get most of the rust color gone if you ever do it with a really old system. I usually finish up by running the faucet the farthest away for a while. Being just a couple years old, the anode rod should be fine. If it still sounds like it is overheating, then the thermostat is defective or the minerals must of taken its toll on the heater element. I am assuming the relief valve is okay. Read DJKEEV's link. Turning down the water temp at the thermostat might help too. Probably is not the element though, because when they go there is no hot water, unless you have a two element system. I would try putting a new thermostat in first. They are usually less than 10 bucks at Lowes. Turn power off first before changing. If element does go, turn power off first. Drain, replace. I forget, but I think you should use some thread tape too. Some people do not totally empty tank, just drain a few gallons out, then fill.http://www.lower-my-energybill....htmlhttp://www.doityourself.com/fo....html

[Sublimewind]

HPL... This is a very common problem... It's caused by scaling on the heating elements, as they heat, the water vaporizes down inside of the nooks and crannies of the scale, and it basically explodes.. It wooshes, crackles, pops, sizzles... replace the elements, it goes away, till the new ones scale.. You'll hear it throughout the day is it's keeping the mass of water warm.. it's worse in the morning and at night when the most showers/dishes/laundry are being done..

[808 Vibes]

I don't think I have the receipt anymore. I can't go through my file cabinet because kiddo's sleeping right here in the room, but I'm almost 100% sure it was one of the papers I threw out the other day. My last two water heaters both lasted 5 years. The first I don't remember what it was, but the second was a Bradford White.

[djkeev]

Quote, originally posted by HawaiiPontiacLover »I don't think I have the receipt anymore. I can't go through my file cabinet because kiddo's sleeping right here in the room, but I'm almost 100% sure it was one of the papers I threw out the other day. My last two water heaters both lasted 5 years. The first I don't remember what it was, but the second was a Bradford White. Five years for a water heater is PITIFULLY short!!What do you have going on with your water?!?!? The mineral content must be huge! Hot water heaters usually last 10, 15 even 20 years.You might contact your water supplier (if Public) and ask about this and the why of it happening. As a water distributor they KNOW and keep records of what is in their water. They should willingly give this information to you.If you are on a well, the only way to find out about your water is by paying for a lab to test it for you.Dave

[keithvibe]

Quote, originally posted by djkeev »Five years for a water heater is PITIFULLY short!!What do you have going on with your water?!?!? The mineral content must be huge! Hot water heaters usually last 10, 15 even 20 years.You might contact your water supplier (if Public) and ask about this and the why of it happening. As a water distributor they KNOW and keep records of what is in their water. They should willingly give this information to you.If you are on a well, the only way to find out about your water is by paying for a lab to test it for you.Davei agree with dave on this one.You have some issue with your water if you are blowing threw water heaters in a short time frame.Do you run a whole house water filter and softner? Have you had the water tested.My town provides me with a water test report once a year to show the levels.For now, do as others have suggested flush the water heater but don't stop there. You need to look at the cause and stop putting bandaids on the situation.

[808 Vibes]

Plumber was hesitant to flush it, but I insisted he do it. He said the water coming out looked 'milky' at first, then came clear. It, of course, didn't make the noises the whole two hours he was here, but did when he went back out to the van. He said even though I (probably) don't have the receipt, blowes should have a record that I bought it, since they arranged the same plumbing company to install it, and it should have a 6 year warranty, so I should ask them what to do. We'll see what happens.

[808 Vibes]

8 hours have passed since the plumber left, and strangely, I haven't heard it make loud croaking or popping noises since he patted its head and told it to behave (now why didn't I think of that...could've saved us some $ that way)