noise from gas water heater
#1
12-30-00, 10:33 PM
the arrival of our first child a year ago has hightened my awareness for all of the things that go bump in the night.
after running hot water from anywhere in the house i hear a bumping sound that appears to be originating at our gas water heater. of course the water heater is in my attic so the sound echoes through the walls on that side of the house.
any idea whats causing the water heater yo go bump in the night. the house and water heater are only 5 years old!
after running hot water from anywhere in the house i hear a bumping sound that appears to be originating at our gas water heater. of course the water heater is in my attic so the sound echoes through the walls on that side of the house.
any idea whats causing the water heater yo go bump in the night. the house and water heater are only 5 years old!
#2
12-31-00, 07:17 AM
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Hi:john123
The noise your hearing could be from normal expansion and contraction do to the difference in temperatures between the outside of the tank and the hot water inside the tank.
Could also be this noise is just happening when the burner first turns on. That sudden exposure, in the firebox, to the heat of the flames causing a slight expansion of the steel. This noise, like any other noise, is very noticeable in the quiet of night, especially in this case do to the tanks location.
Could also be there is some sediment buildup on the bottom inside of the tank. After five years of service the tank could use a flushing. However, with the unit being up in an attic, it may not have been ever done.
If it's possible and safe, access the attic and attach a garden hose to the <spigot> faucet on the tank near the temperature control. Put the other end of the hose outside or somewhere else were hot water won't cause any damage. Then open the faucet. Let the hot water flow for a few minutes or until it runs out clear, then turn off the faucet.
Reminder: <for anyone reading this>
The instructions above are for FLUSHING the tank. Not DRAINING the tank. The objective here is to FLUSH out sediment in the tank. Therefore, leave everything as is and only open the faucet <spigot> on the tank, once the hose is correctly attached. DO NOT close the inlet cold water or turn any other faucets or water valves to FLUSH the tank.
The noise your hearing could be from normal expansion and contraction do to the difference in temperatures between the outside of the tank and the hot water inside the tank.
Could also be this noise is just happening when the burner first turns on. That sudden exposure, in the firebox, to the heat of the flames causing a slight expansion of the steel. This noise, like any other noise, is very noticeable in the quiet of night, especially in this case do to the tanks location.
Could also be there is some sediment buildup on the bottom inside of the tank. After five years of service the tank could use a flushing. However, with the unit being up in an attic, it may not have been ever done.
If it's possible and safe, access the attic and attach a garden hose to the <spigot> faucet on the tank near the temperature control. Put the other end of the hose outside or somewhere else were hot water won't cause any damage. Then open the faucet. Let the hot water flow for a few minutes or until it runs out clear, then turn off the faucet.
Reminder: <for anyone reading this>
The instructions above are for FLUSHING the tank. Not DRAINING the tank. The objective here is to FLUSH out sediment in the tank. Therefore, leave everything as is and only open the faucet <spigot> on the tank, once the hose is correctly attached. DO NOT close the inlet cold water or turn any other faucets or water valves to FLUSH the tank.
