One of the most common complaints we hear from home owners is about their loud hot water heater! There are many unusual noises that your hot water heater can make, ranging from popping and rumbling sounds to knocking, hissing and clicking noises.

Fortunately, there are many DIY tips you can use to help quiet your loud hot water heater and reduce those annoying sounds. Try the following to eliminate the noise, but remember that regular hot water heater maintenance and repair is key to preventing many of these sounds in the first place!

• Cracking or popping sounds can usually be addressed by flushing your water heater. A buildup of sediment at the bottom of your water heater can trap water beneath it and as this water heats up, it forces its way through the sediment, resulting in a cracking or popping sound.
• Knocking and banging sounds are often caused by pipes heating up internally. This noise is commonly referred to as “water hammering” and can be one of the most annoying sounds for home owners. While this does not damage your water heater, it can be quieted by installing a water hammer arrestor at the shut off valves of fixtures like your washing machine.
• A humming noise coming from your electric water heater is normal, but if it comes on suddenly or is very loud, you should call a professional for assistance. To address minor humming sounds, you can tighten the heating element in your water heater (don’t overtighten) to prevent vibrations.
• Screeching noises from you water heater can be caused by water under pressure being forced through or around an object. Typically, this noise is made when a shutoff valve is not completely open. Check the valve at your water heater, or at other fixtures in your home to ensure they are all completely open.
• Hissing sounds can occur after you have used a large amount of hot water, such as after a bath or shower or running the dishwasher on a heavy cycle. When hot water is used up, cold water re-enters the tank and can cause condensation to form on the outside of the tank. As this condensation drips down and hits hot parts of the water heater around the burner, you will hear a hissing sound. If this happens frequently, you may have an undersized water heater that does not meet your household’s needs.

Have you tried these DIY tips to deal with your loud hot water heater and still find it too noisy? At Evam Canada, we understand that these strange and annoying sounds can disrupt your comfort at home. That’s why our water heater technicians are on hand to diagnose your loud hot water heater’s problems and find a solution so you can enjoy peace and quiet.

Book your water heater maintenance or repair appointment online now, or give us a call at 1-905-624-5544 today.

Your hot water heater pressure relief valve is an important component of both electric and gas hot water heaters. This valve is designed to allow water and steam to escape from the tank if the temperature gets too hot or if pressure gets too high, releasing some of the pressure before a dangerous explosion can occur.

While it is a critical safety feature, a leaking hot water heater pressure relief valve can be cause for concern. If you have noticed a leak from your water heater’s pressure relief valve, you can troubleshoot the issue yourself in a few ways:

1. Check the Temperature

The temperature of your hot water heater could be causing the temperature and pressure relief valve to do its job, resulting in a small discharge of steam or water. Check the thermostat to determine the temperature setting of your water heater and verify this temperature by running hot water at a fixture until it gets hot. Use a meat thermometer to read the actual temperature of this water, ensuring that it is set at a safe 120 degrees Fahrenheit or lower.

2. Test the Valve
   Ensure that the valve is functioning properly by lifting the arm on the top of the valve and seeing if water comes out. When you release the valve, it should shut immediately and stop the flow of water. If the arm does not lift and does not snap back down immediately, it should be replaced. There may be debris or rust preventing the pressure relief valve from functioning correctly.
3. Replace the Valve
   Sometimes your leaking hot water pressure relief valve can be fixed simply by replacing the valve. This easy task requires you to drain the tank to a level below the valve, then opening it to release any residual pressure. The valve can then be removed slowly using a wrench to turn it counter-clockwise. Replace the valve with one of the same pressure rating by screwing it in clockwise and tightening it with a wrench.

4. It’s Still Leaking
   If you replace the valve and it still continues to leak, this signals a greater problem. A frequently triggered valve means that your hot water heater is consistently overheating your water or building up too much pressure within the tank. It’s best to call in a professional to determine why your water heater is getting too hot or pressure is getting too high so it can be repaired or replaced if necessary.

Not sure how to fix your hot water heater pressure relief valve on your own? We’re here to help! The experienced water heater specialists at Evam Canada are on-call to repair any leaks 24/7. Don’t hesitate to call us for your emergency water heater repairs at 1-905-624-5544.