Your home’s plumbing and water heater may not be the most glamorous part of your house, but it’s arguably the most important. Many Austin homeowners don’t really think about their plumbing system until something goes wrong. A water heater popping sound is definitely one of those things that makes you think, “Why is my water heater making noise?”
The good news is that a popping sound from your water heater probably doesn’t mean it will explode. In fact, it’s usually a fairly benign issue. If the steps we outline below don’t fix the problem, though, it may be time to call an Austin, TX, plumbing service like Indigo Home & Facility Services.
Sediment – The Main Cause of a Popping Noise in Your Water Heater
The most likely culprit behind a popping noise in your Austin home’s water heater is sediment build-up in the water heater. Over time, sand, limescale from hard water, and other substances in the water supply accumulate in the bottom of your water heater. This makes the appliance run less efficiently and increases your utility bill.
The popping noise you hear is steam bubbles from the sediment. As the sediment heats, the little bubbles make the same small popping sounds as a pot of boiling water on your stove would. Unfortunately, these cute little bubbles make your hot water heater work a lot harder than it has to. The tank can overheat and damage the heating element and the inner lining of the tank.
There’s good news, though. Removing sediment from the water heater usually fixes the problem.
How to Fix Popping Noise in Water Heater
Usually, you can flush the water heater to remove the sediment at the bottom of the tank.
You can follow these steps or, if unsure about your DIY abilities, call a plumber to help.
- Wear heavy protective gloves to prevent burns, cuts, or other injury
- Turn off the water heater. Turn an electric water heater off at your home’s circuit breaker. For gas water heaters, turn the temperature setting to “pilot.”
- Adjust the cold water shut-off valve to keep water from entering the tank
- Wait for the water inside the tank to cool so you can safely drain it
- Once the water in the tank is cool, connect a garden hose to the drain valve
- Put the other end of the hose somewhere you’re ok with the water draining, like a garage or basement drain
- Before you open the pressure relief valve, turn on a hot water faucet. This prevents a vacuum from forming in your water line
- Then, open the drain valve carefully, as the water coming out will be hot
- Pull the tab of the pressure relief valve
- Allow the tank to fully drain
If you don’t see sediment as the water drains, don’t worry. There’s another series of steps to take to flush the tank fully. Once the tank’s water supply is completely gone, then:
- Open the cold water valve on the tank. This will flush out any sediment left in the tank.
- Run cold water through the system until the water runs clear
- Close the bottom of the tank by closing the drain valve
- Let the water heater’s tank fill back up
Once the tank is full, you can turn the heating element back on.
This should take care of the popping sound. Regular flushing of your water heater can extend its life by removing the damage-causing sediment. It may also improve water quality and reduce sediment build-up on shower heads and other plumbing fixtures.
Other Reasons Your Water Heater Is Making Popping Sounds
Although sediment build-up is the main cause of popping noises from your water heater, there could be other reasons for the sounds. Loose pipes, joins, or straps, a water leak, or fluctuations in the water could also cause a popping or other “bubbly” sound.
Brand New Water Heater Making Popping Noise
But what happens if you just installed a new water heater and you hear popping sounds? You may think there hasn’t been enough time for sediment to build up in the water heater, and you’re probably right.
The most common cause of a popping noise from a new water heater is thermal expansion and contraction in the metal pipes of your home’s water lines. When the water in the tank cools, the heating element may power back on, even if you’re not using any hot water. Thermal cycling causes metal parts to expand. It could sound like clicking, clacking, or popping.
In this case, the clamps positioned around the water heater or pipes may need to be readjusted. You may want to call a plumber first and have them assess the possible cause before you start tearing into your walls to replace clamps. Insulating metal pipes may help, as they can regulate the temperature more and muffle any popping sounds from thermal expansion.
Do You Need Hot Water Heater Repair?
If you’re uncomfortable tinkering with your home’s water heater yourself or suspect there’s a larger problem than you have the tools and skills to take care of, call us. Our Indigo Home & Facility Service, local Austin, Texas, plumbers, have experience with all major brands and models of water heaters, both traditional and tankless. Schedule your appointment with us today to stop the pop in your water heater. Call us at (512) 608-4999.