
Why is my water heater making crackling noises?
Question: Why is my water heater is making crackling, popping or rumbling noises? What should I do if my water heater is making crackling noises or popping noises?
Answer: If your water heater is making crackling, popping or rumbling noises, you have sediment built up in your water tank. The popping or crackling sound that you hear is water trying to force its way through the sediment layers. The rumbling noise is the sediment chunks that swirl within the tank.
What You Can Do
If your tank is less than 10 years old, a deliming mixture can remove the sediment from the tank. Once you’ve added the deliming mixture, flush and drain your water heater tank.
Check the thermostat if you flush your water heater and it is still making sounds. If it is set at or above 125 degrees, tank and pipes may be expanding and contracting to create noise. Reduce your setting of the thermostat to or below 120 degrees to see if the noise stops.
Learn More
Learn more about noises your water heater may make and what you can do when your water heater is making noises.
Get step-by-step instructions on how to flush and drain your water heater safely and easily. This is a good way to extend the life of your water heater and can easily be done in an hour.
While adding a de-liming solution to your water heater tank, check the anode rod to make sure you don't need a new one. Chances are, if your water heater is making noise, you need a new anode rod, since the anode rod exists to prevent corrosion of the water heater tank. Learn how to change the anode rod here.