Water heaters are known to make all kinds of noises. And while some of these noises are just part of everyday water heater function, others might make you feel more worried. So, how do you know when the noises coming from your water heater need to be fixed?
When you invest in a new water heater installation in Los Angeles, you are typically given a brief overview of how it works, and what kinds of noises to expect. You should also be told about how to deal with certain noises, and whether or not it’s time to call in the professionals. Our Nautilus Plumbing professionals want to help you diagnose the noise coming from your heater. Is it popping or hissing? Here’s how to fix it!
Step 1: Making Note of Water Heater Noises
Just like an illness in your body, the first step to take to diagnose the water heater is to write down a list of symptoms. In most cases, the symptom that you’ll be experiencing with your water heater is that it is making:
- Popping noises
- Rumbling noises
- Hissing noises
If you hear any of these sounds coming from your water heater, it’s time to call in the experts to provide the proper solution.
Step 2: Diagnosing Why Your Water Heater is Making Noises
Typically, these water heater noises only mean one thing – your water heater tank is experiencing some buildup inside. This buildup is made of minerals that come from hard water, which form sediment that scales the walls of the tank.
When this happens, the tank cannot flush and filter as efficiently as it could be, causing it to make sounds as it struggles to work. Not only is this bad for your water tank, but it’s bad for your energy bill as well. Your water tank is working overtime to produce a lesser amount of water than normal, wasting your energy and increasing your expenses.
Our Nautilus experts will tell you when you get a new water heater installation in Los Angeles that if this sediment buildup occurs, you’ll need to get it drained and flushed. This is the best way to clean it out, ensuring that no buildup remains.
Step 3: Flushing & Cleaning Your Water Heater
The reason a sediment buildup causes the heater to make a popping noise is that the water is boiling underneath the sediment but has nowhere to go. The water starts to percolate, much like coffee does in a coffee maker. Too much sediment can damage the heating elements of the water heater or can cause a dangerous leak.
It’s important to seek assistance as soon as you notice the sounds and performance issues. It is very possible to flush and drain a water heater on your own, but you can also invest in the help of professionals to get the job done smoothly.
The typical flushing process involves:
- Turning off the heater completely
- Turn the cold-water lever completely
- Connect a hose to the valve and open a hot water spigot inside the home
- Let the drain valve have water run through it, and you’ll start to see the dirty water come out of the hose
- Be careful, as the dirty water is very hot!
- Flush the heater by opening and shutting the cold-water supply lever a few times
- Keep the heater off for 10 minutes
Our pros can install a water conditioner in your main in order to prevent this sediment buildup from happening again. Get in touch with us to learn more!
Invest In Quality Water Heaters Today!
At Nautilus plumbing, we offer the best in water heaters and water heater services. If you are interested in water heater repair or installation in Los Angeles, or you have more questions about your current water heater, contact us online or give us a call at 323-629-4627. We look forward to helping you!