Having a properly functioning water heater is important to staying comfortable in your home. Between washing your hands or the dishes and taking baths, you want to make sure your water heater keeps you and your family safe and comfortable. If your hot water heater is making an unusual humming noise, this is a sign of an issue that will need to be addressed.
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Why Is My Water Heater Making Noise?
A water heater can create a strange humming noise due to an issue in the system. There are six main causes that could be contributing to your water heater making this strange sound. Some of these are easy to fix on your own. Others require a certified technician to inspect and diagnose.
1. Gas Supply
Make sure the gas line is properly fitted and is not blocked, bent, or the wrong size. If your supply of gas can’t get through the line, that could be causing the humming you’re hearing.
2. Flex Adapter
When your water heater turns on, there is a momentary drop in pressure. If your flex adapter does not properly fit on the heater, this could be the source of the humming noise.
3. Not Enough Clearance
Make sure your water heater has enough space on all sides. Other objects touching the water heater could be causing the sound.
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4. Gas Burner Assembly
The hot water heater in your utility room may be making a humming noise due to a malfunctioning burner assembly or plate. If this is what’s causing the noise, simply replacing the part will solve the problem.
5. Element
What if you have an electric water heater? Chances are the cause of the humming noise is your element. An element heats water in the tank when it is energized with electricity. To fix this, try tightening the element.
6. Shut-Off Valve is Closed
Check the shut-off valve on your water heater. If the shut-off valve is closed or even partially closed and the water heater is on, the flow of water will be restricted and the system may start to make a humming noise. Simply open the valve to stop the noise.
Hot Water Heater Components
Being able to identify the parts of your water heater can help you to maintain it but also identify problems if they arise. Here are the parts of your water heater you should be aware of:
Tank, Dip Tube, & Discharge Line
The tank is the biggest component of your water heater. It is the large cylinder that holds the water. Cold water travels into the tank through the dip tube. The dip tube extends from the top to the bottom of the tank. When the water is heated, it rises to the top of the tank, where the discharge line carries it through the pipes and into your home.
Gas Burner
Homes with gas water heaters have gas burners as the source of the heat. The gas burner is located under the tank, with a control valve on the side of the tank so it’s accessible. This functions like a thermostat so you can adjust the temperature as needed.
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Exhaust Flue
When a gas burner is used to heat water, other gases can be generated. The exhaust flue vents these gases outside the home and acts as a heat exchanger.
Pressure Relief Valve
The pressure relief valve is a safety component located on top of the tank. In case extra pressure or temperature is built up inside the tank, the valve prevents a burst or explosion.
Drain Valve
The drain valve is located at the bottom of the tank and releases any sediments. Sediment build-up can cause damage to your tank.
Water Heater Repair & Installation Services
Keeping your water heater maintained keeps your family comfortable and can extend the life of your water heater. Our team of licensed plumbers offer exceptional water heater repair and water heater replacement services to homes in Jacksonville and other areas of Florida. Whethr yeou have a gas or electric water heater, our team can help your family get back to enjoying the benefits of hot water without the noise. In addition, our technicians offer other types of emergency plumbing services such as sewer line installation, sump pump repair, and water softener installation. With nearly 30 years of experience serving residential customers, our certified technicians can troubleshoot your issue and get your water heater working smoothly. Give our team a call at (904) 217-5694 or schedule an appointment online and solve your water heater problems today.