Noisy Water Heater? Sediment Might Be to Blame
Does your water heater sound a little strange? This frequently used appliance can make several noises, including screaming, screeching, and rattling. However, if your tank is making popping or knocking noises, it probably has sediment buildup.
It is important to drain and flush traditional tank water heaters every year to prevent sediment build-up. When your water heater hasn’t been maintained for some time or if you have hard water, sediment can damage its performance and shorten its life.
How to remove sediment from a water heater tank
To fix this problem and get rid of the popping and knocking noises, you will need to perform a proper flush of the tank. Here are the basic steps.
- Turn off the water heater.
- Turn the cold water supply valve off.
- Let the water within the tank cool to prevent burns.
- Attach a hose to the drain valve (located on the side of the tank).
- Place the end of the hose in a drain or large bucket (such as a stationary tub).
- Turn on a few faucets in your home. This prevents a vacuum from forming in your pipes.
- Turn the drain valve on and drain the tank. (You will need a screwdriver for this step.)
- Once the tank is fully drained, turn the cold water and water heater back on.
Warnings while draining the tank
Like most DIY plumbing projects, it’s important to use extreme caution when dealing with a hot water tank. Failing to follow the instructions on your specific tank and standard safety protocol could result in significant health hazards. Always consult with a professional if you do not feel prepared to safely execute the task at hand!
Why is sediment build-up necessary to remove?
Sediment build-up is natural in tank water heaters and might not be a big problem at first. But over time, residue and sediment build-up can lead to your water heater failing to heat efficiently, and can even cause the unit to overheat, resulting in irreparable damage to the water tank’s protective liner.
Water heater maintenance in Cleveland and Northeast Ohio
Maintaining your water heater on an annual basis is a great way to prevent major plumbing problems and get the most life out of your unit. If it’s been a long time since your tank has been drained, bring in the top-notch team at Ohio Buckeye Plumbing to do it for you. Schedule a water heater maintenance appointment by calling (440) 283-9377.