Tankless water heaters are becoming more popular in Glendale, AZ homes because of their compact size and how efficient they are. However, like all appliances, unusual noises can indicate there’s an issue with the unit that needs professional repairs. This guide will help you understand the different causes of tankless water heater noise and provide some tips to help you maintain an efficient water heater in your home.
Common Causes of Noise in Tankless Water Heaters
There are several reasons for your water heater to make noise, and you can minimize the occurrence of each by scheduling annual maintenance on your system. Sometimes these sounds are the result of improper installation, but there are several other causes.
Mineral Buildup
One of the most common causes of tankless water heater noise is mineral buildup, especially if you have hard water. Calcium and magnesium deposits accumulate on the heat exchanger, and when you turn on the hot water, these minerals create popping sounds as they interfere with efficient heat transfer. This buildup not only generates noise in the tankless water heater but also reduces the unit’s efficiency.
Water Pressure Issues
Problems with water pressure can create a loud banging noise when the flowing water hits the walls of the pipes. In a tankless water heater system, this can occur when you quickly turn off fixtures.
Dirty Fan
These units have a built-in fan to help safely vent exhaust gases. If this fan becomes obstructed, it will struggle to operate properly, producing grinding or rattling noises. A dirty fan restricts airflow, which can cause the system to overheat.
Loose Components
The vibrations from regular use can cause internal components such as screws, brackets, and panels to loosen. These loose parts may rattle or buzz during operation. During a maintenance session, our team will ensure that all parts are properly secured. If you have a loud tankless water heater, we can also eliminate these sounds and prevent potential damage to the system.
Flow Sensor Issues
The flow sensor is a key component that detects water movement to activate the heating system. If the sensor becomes dirty or obstructed, misreading the flow of the water can occur. This can cause irregular cycling in the water heater and inconsistent water temperature. This malfunction can result in knocking noises. We will clean the sensor and replace it when needed in order to help maintain efficiency.
When You Have a Loud Tankless Water Heater
If your tankless water heater has started making strange noises, don’t ignore them! Contact Bumble Bee Plumbing to schedule maintenance today. These sounds often mean that your unit requires professional attention. Here are a few troubleshooting steps that we will take to help identify the problem and resolve it.
First, we will flush the system to remove excess minerals in the unit. Hard water can restrict the water’s flow, which creates the sound in most situations. We will also check the internal components of the tankless water heater to make sure everything is tight. As the unit cycles on and off, these smaller internal parts can loosen. Another step that our team will take is to inspect and clean the burner to keep it free of dirt and debris.
If your home experiences repeated water pressure issues when running hot water, it can put unnecessary stress on the water heater. We will ensure that your water heater releases water with the proper pressure and that the blower fan is functioning as it should. These fans vent exhaust gases from your system, and if they are not blowing constantly, the gases will remain in your home. We know which sounds indicate that there is an issue with the fans, so we can quickly resolve the issue.
Contact a Reliable Plumbing Company
When you contact our team at Bumble Bee Plumbing, we can quickly diagnose the issue with your unit and find a noisy water heater fix that works for your needs. If you are experiencing a tankless water heater noise in your home, then contact us right away. We have been serving the Glendale area since 2011, and providing you with exceptional service is our priority. We always discuss the problem with you in an honest manner so that we can find the best solution for your plumbing system.
Contact us today at Bumble Bee Plumbing to schedule an appointment for all of your tankless water heater and other related plumbing needs.
