My water heater is making a noise – what should I do?
Is your water heater making unusual noises (clicking, whistling, rumbling, etc.)? These sounds may be nothing to worry about… or they could indicate a problem that needs to be dealt with quickly to prevent a breakdown or excessive energy consumption !
POTENTIAL CAUSES OF THIS FAULT :
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The tank is limescale-encrusted
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The heating element is covered in limescale
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The thermostat is out of order
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Valve malfunction
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Air bleed problem
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Air leak in the water circuit
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Fault with the pressure relief valve
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Excess pressure in the plumbing system
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The non-return valve in the safety unit is not working properly
WARNING
Before carrying out any work on your appliance, make sure you unplug it from the mains.
Risk of electric shock.
A water heater naturally makes a slight noise when running, usually less than 50 decibels, which is comparable to the noise made by a dishwasher or tumble dryer. However, whistling, clicking or any other unusual noises should set alarm bells ringing, as they may indicate a fault that could damage your appliance.
The tank is limescale-encrusted
Over time, limescale builds up at the bottom of the water heater tank. When the water is heated, these deposits become dislodged and cause clattering or bubbling noises. We recommend that you descale it. In the most severe cases, limescale can weaken the tank, causing a crack and leading to a leak. If the tank is punctured, it is usually necessary to replace the tank.
The heating element is covered in limescale
Limescale isn’t confined to the tank: it also builds up on the heating element. When coated in limescale, the heating element heats up less efficiently, which can cause boiling or crackling noises. Over time, this can lead to the water heater overheating or breaking down. In areas with hard water, this phenomenon is particularly common.
Buy a water heater heating element
Hard water causes your appliance to become clogged more quickly. Installing a water softener can reduce these deposits and keep your appliance running smoothly.
The thermostat is out of order
A poorly adjusted or faulty thermostat can cause the water temperature to become too high. This overheating leads to unusual noises, including clicking sounds caused by the expansion of materials or excessive boiling. Simply adjusting or replacing the thermostat may be enough to resolve the problem.
Valve malfunction
A faulty or incorrectly adjusted valve can cause pressure fluctuations inside the tank. This often results in noises similar to those made by a kettle boiling. As this component is designed to release excess pressure, a malfunction can lead to a noisy flow, either continuous or intermittent.
Air bleed problem
The presence of air in the hot water tank can disrupt water circulation. When the water is heated, this air expands, causing gurgling noises or irregular circulation. Bleeding the system usually restores quiet operation.
Air leak in the water circuit
An air leak in the pipework can cause bubbles to form in the system. This results in air noises or whistling sounds as the water flows through. This type of problem is often caused by a leak in the joints or pipes.
Fault with the pressure relief valve
The safety valve allows excess pressure to be released from the tank. If it is faulty or blocked, it may let air in or operate irregularly. This can cause gurgling, whistling or vibrating noises whilst the water heater is running.
Excess pressure in the plumbing system
Excessive water pressure in the system can cause what is known as water hammer. This phenomenon manifests itself as loud banging noises in the pipes, particularly when a tap is turned off quickly. These impacts can cause the water heater to vibrate and generate noise throughout the system.
The non-return valve in the safety unit is not working properly
The non-return valve prevents water from flowing in the wrong direction . If it becomes clogged or faulty, it can cause gurgling or bubbling noises. A simple clean may sometimes be enough, but if the problem persists, it is often recommended that the safety unit be replaced.