Noisy Water Heater | Water Heat Repair Arlington

A noisy water heater is typically due to buildup of sediment inside the tank. Prevention is the best action by providing routine water heater maintenance by draining the tank. An alternative is to have a Benjamin Franklin plumber provide a professional flushing of the tank. Maintenance will extend the water heater’s lifespan, promote efficient operation, and reduce the amount of necessary water heater repair in Arlington.

Build-up in the water heater is due to the minerals contained in hard water. Calcium carbonate is common in hard water. Heat precipitates the mineral out, resulting in its setting on the bottom of the tank.

In the gas water heater, sediment acts as an insulating layer, slowing the burner from heating the water, while in an electric water heater sediment can collect around the bottom heating element, causing it to burn out. When this occurs, element replacement will be required with water heater repair in Arlington.

In both cases the water heaters performance and efficiency is affected, resulting in longer recovery time and a higher energy bill. Furthermore, the sediment causes overheating of the bottom of the tank, resulting in damage to the glass lining, and reducing the lifespan of the water heater. Once the tank has rusted, replacement of the water heater will be required. Routine flushing removes the sediment, and maintains its performance, efficiency and extends its lifespan. 

Unfortunately, it does not end there. Sediment forms an ideal environment for anaerobic bacteria to thrive. Maintaining a temperature of 120 degrees F will assist in reducing the presence of bacteria while providing hot water, and maintaining energy efficiency.

The Noisy Water Heater

Noise is created when small amounts of water beneath the sediment are transformed into steam bubbles, which collapse creating a popping sound. The sound itself is harmless, though it indicates the need for flushing of the tank, or a professional cleaning by a Benjamin Franklin plumber. Give us a call for water heater repair in Arlington.

How to Drain a Water Heater

Follow these instructions to drain the water heater tank, removing the sediment. If you are uncomfortable, or unable to do this yourself, contact a Benjamin Franklin plumber in Arlington for a professional flush.

1) Turn off the water heater

• Electric water heaters: turn off the water heater circuit breaker in the home’s electrical panel
• Gas water heaters: turn the gas switch to pilot

2) Shut off the cold water supply to prevent water from entering the water heater. If there is not a shut off valve located at the water heater, turn the water off at the meter.

3) Connect a garden hose to the drain valve, typically located near the bottom. Place a thick towel below the valve in the event it leaks.

4) Place the other end of the garden hose out of a door or window to drain. Ensure the hot water will not drain on people, pets, plants, electrical plugs, or other electrical items. If you are unable to run the hose outside, use a bucket, and empty often. 

5) Open the nearest hot water tap to allow the water to come out of the hose.

6) Open the drain valve using an oven mitt or towel. Water should start draining from the water heater, use caution, as the water will be hot. 

7) Periodically, check the draining water until you no longer see sediment, and the water is clear.

8) When clear, close the drain valve with an oven mitt or towel, and disconnect the hose from the valve. Hold the hose pipe end nearest you up, to avoid hot water scalding you. Close the open tap.

9) Turn the water supply back on, and wait 10 minutes for the tank to fill up. Turn on a hot water faucet to purge air out of the tank and the water line. 

10) Turn the water heater on.

After fully flushing the water heater, remove 2 – 3 quarts of water from the drain valve on the water heater every 2 to 3 months to prevent sediment buildup from recurring. 

A long term solution to hard water problems is the installation of a water softener, which provides protection of the home’s plumbing, and can reduce the amount of water heater repair in Arlington. 

If draining the tank doesn’t reduce the required time to heat water, contact a Benjamin Franklin plumber for water heater repair in Arlington.

Benjamin Franklin Plumbing provides the expertise you require for water heater repair in Arlington. Give us a call for your noisy water heater, and a wide range of quality plumbing services. Benjamin Franklin Plumbing serves Arlington, Fort Worth, and the surrounding areas. We are a member of the BBB with a consistent A+ rating. Contact us today to schedule water heater repair in Arlington.