If so, you may be wondering why this is happening, and if it could be potentially dangerous.
In this guide, we will explain why this is happening, as well as how you can fix this issue yourself.
Let’s get started.
Why Is The Water Heater Making Popping Noises?
Sediment accumulation on the internal components of gas-fired water heaters, and the base of the tank of electric water heaters, is very likely – in fact, almost definitely – the explanation for popping noises coming from your water heater.
This sediment is made up of minerals, such as magnesium and calcium, which will eventually break up and form into sediment particles that settle to the tank bottom.
This silt will then trap the water at the bottom of the gas-fired tank, and pulls it up against the electric heaters’ surfaces.
The water closest to the origin of the high temperature will heat up and pop through the sediment first, which then bubbles as it erupts. This will result in the popping sound that you are hearing, coming from your water heater.
The issue here is due to the accumulation of sediment inside the water heater, which is why you will need to fix the problem as soon as possible
What Happens If Too Much Sediment Builds Up In The Water Heater?
Sediment accumulation in a storage-tank water heater is a problem that you cannot overlook. It can lead to further damage and deterioration if left for too long; therefore, you should take the popping sound as a warning.
When sediment accumulates throughout your water heater, affecting the overall water heating procedure, that annoying popping sound will be the least of your issues. You may also start to encounter other problems, including:
Water that varies in temperature, from excessively hot to barely warm at all.
Increased energy costs.
A decreased hot water supply.
The appliance’s capacity of maintaining a constant water level is hampered by silt building, which also reduces the appliance’s power consumption.
Sediment buildup can replace water in the tank, obstruct the drain valve, restrict the water lines, or even lead to an early tank breakdown as the buildup gets worse.
While these issues can often be avoided by routinely flushing the tank, everyone makes mistakes sometimes, and we can become complacent with our household appliances.
This is why it is so important to learn how to fix these issues before they escalate, as the popping sound that you are hearing is often the warning sign of sediment accumulation becoming a larger issue.
How To Fix Popping Noises In A Water Heater
Now that you know why there are popping sounds coming from your water heater, and what exactly is causing them, you will want to know what you can do to minimize the damage that is occurring.
Below, we have a step-by-step guide on how to fix those popping noises inside your water heater, and how to fix the issue of accumulating sediment.
1. Turn Off The Power And Water Supply
The first thing you are going to want to do is switch off the power, if you have an electric water heater.
If you forget to do this, and continue with the rest of the steps while the power is still on, you risk getting a nasty electric shock. This could, potentially, cause fatal injuries.
If you have a gas-powered water supply, this shouldn’t be an issue. Either way, the next step will be to switch off the water supply.
You can switch off the water supply on a gas water heater by deactivating the pilot, while you will need to shut off the cold water entry line at the top of the tank on an electric-powered appliance.
You achieve this by simply rotating the knob in a clockwise direction.
2. Allow The Water To Cool Down
It is very important that you do not continue with this guide until the water inside the water heater has completely cooled down. You will need to wait around two to three hours before the water is safe to work with.
If you have only just turned the heater off, the water inside will be extremely hot. Messing with the tank before it has cooled may end in you becoming injured.
3. Completely Empty The Tank
You are going to need a hose pipe for the following step. Start by attaching it to the drain near the tank’s bottom, and make sure it is securely fastened to prevent flooding of the tank in the event of a disconnect.
Push up the pressure release valve with your palm on the tank’s top to prevent breakage, and the drain valve should then be opened by turning it anticlockwise.
Employ some adjustable pliers to release the valves if they have become stuck tightly, and you are unable to do so with your hands.
Allow the tank to completely empty before closing the drain valve with your hands. The hose pipe shouldn’t be taken out just yet.
4. Refill The Tank
The hot water line at the very top of the tank should be loosened and disconnected with a pipe wrench before being separated from the tank.
Just enough de-liming solution, dependent on capacity, should be poured into the tank after placing a funnel on the opening.
After that, secure the threaded pipe around the tank with thread tape, and tighten the hot water pipe attachment using a pipe wrench.
Next, allow the cold water to run into the tank until it is loaded while opening the pressure release valve. This will guarantee that the tank is completely devoid of air. After that, you can shut the release valve.
5. Empty The Tank Again
Restart the water heater system at this stage, and wait for the water to warm up.
Depending on your heater, wait the appropriate period of time before restarting the electricity. Repeat Step 3 to drain the tank once more after the water has cooled down.
6. Refill The Tank Again
Remove the hose pipe after emptying the water completely, then reattach the primary drain pipe. Now that all the sediment should have been removed from the tank, you can refill it once more and reheat the water as normal.
Final Thoughts
If you are still unsure about fixing this issue yourself, you could always call for professional help instead. Be sure to contact a plumber to help you remove the sediment from your water heater, and get it working normally again.
Hi everyone! My name is Jason, and I am the founder of HeaterWise.com. Having run my own business as a Heating Engineer for 21 years, I have picked up a few things along the way.
I wanted to create Heater Wise as a place where anyone could come, from far and wide, to find the information that they need.
I hope you will join us here at Heater Wise, to get started on your own journey, to expand your knowledge, and make the best heating choices for you and your family.
