A water heater that is functioning properly should operate quietly and efficiently, but sometimes you may hear rumbling or popping noises coming from the tank. If you hear a rumbling noise, it may be a sign that sediment has built up on the bottom of the tank. In this article, we’ll discuss what causes sediment buildup, how it can cause a rumbling noise, and what you can do to fix the issue for both gas and electric water heaters.
What is Sediment Buildup and How Does It Cause a Rumbling/Popping Noise?
Sediment buildup is a common issue that can occur in a water heater tank over time, regardless of whether it is a gas or electric unit. It happens when minerals and other debris settle to the bottom of the tank and gradually accumulate, creating a layer of buildup. This buildup can cause a number of problems for your water heater, including reduced efficiency, lower water pressure, and, of course, a rumbling noise.
The rumbling noise is caused by the heating element or burner at the bottom of the tank coming into contact with the sediment buildup. For electric water heaters, the heating element has to work harder to heat the water, and the extra effort can cause the sediment to shift and move around, creating a rumbling sound. For gas water heaters, the burner can become obstructed by the sediment buildup, causing incomplete combustion and a rumbling or popping noise as a result. This noise can be quite loud and may continue until the sediment buildup is removed from the tank.
What Happens if You Ignore Sediment Buildup and a Rumbling Noise?
If you ignore the rumbling noise and don’t address the sediment buildup in your water heater, it can cause serious problems. The sediment can cause damage to the heating element or burner and other components of the tank, leading to decreased efficiency and even complete system failure. Additionally, the sediment buildup can lead to water leaks or bursts, which can cause significant water damage to your home.
How to Fix the Issue of Sediment Buildup and Rumbling Noises
The good news is that sediment buildup is a common issue that can be resolved by flushing the tank. Flushing the tank involves draining the water heater and removing the sediment buildup from the bottom of the tank. Here are the steps to follow:
For Electric Water Heaters:
- Find your home’s breaker box, and turn off the breaker for the water heater.
- Shut off the cold water supply valve and attach a garden hose to the drain valve at the bottom of the tank.
- Open a hot water faucet in your home to allow air into the tank, and then open the drain valve to begin draining the tank.
- Let the water drain out completely, and then close the drain valve.
- Open the cold water supply valve and let the water run for a few minutes to flush out any remaining sediment.
- Finally, turn the power back on to the water heater and wait for it to heat up again.
For Gas Water Heaters:
- Turn off the gas supply to the water heater (turn the gas control knob to “pilot”).
- Shut off the cold water supply valve and attach a garden hose to the drain valve at the bottom of the tank.
- Open a hot water faucet in your home to allow air into the tank, and then open the drain valve to begin draining the tank.
- Let the water drain out completely, and then close the drain valve.
- Turn the cold water supply valve back on to allow the tank to refill, but leave the drain valve open.
- Once the water is running clear out of the drain valve, close the drain valve and turn the gas supply back on to the water heater.