THE VIRTUAL REPAIRMAN
|
|---|
HOME CONTACT US PARTS
|
The Virtual Repairman discusses
Water Heater issues:
Rumbling and Pounding Noises
Rumbling, pounding and other noises when the heater is in operation are usually caused by formation of scale and sediment. Minerals will form a scale on the bottom of the inner tank that traps minute amounts of moisture. Heat from the gas burner changes these small trapped amounts of moisture to steam and the pressures developed cause the rumbling and pounding noises. In addition to being very annoying to the homeowner, accumulation of sediment and mineral deposits in the bottom of the tank can appreciably shorten the tank life of the heater.
The sediment can interfere with the transfer of heat from the flame through the tank wall to the water. The sediment acts as an ‘insulation’ restricting heat transfer and may contribute to a ‘not enough hot water’ trouble call. If a homeowner does not periodically drain and flush the tank, the sediment will continue to accumulate on the bottom of the tank. The result is a clogged drain valve and scale build up - eventually to the point it may cover the immersed thermostat bulb. Diagnosed early, these sediments may be flushed out simply by periodically draining the tank.(once a year, at least!)
Another noise associated with a gas water heater is a sizzling or pinging noise. Condensation is the most likely cause of this annoying problem. Condensation forms on the side of the tank and flue ways when it is first filled with cold water, during heavy hot water usage periods or when the cold water inlet temperature drops as the seasons change. Drops of water falling on the burner can produce a sizzling or pinging sound and may be seen by opening the jacket door and looking at the burner assembly. The condensation is not unusual and will disappear after the water in the heater becomes hot. If the problem persists, check connections and the tank for signs of leaking.
CAUTION:Flushing your water heater may put you at risk of being scalded by hot water. Please be careful when working on your water heater.
Sediment gathering inside the water heater can cause a number of problems. Once the sediment settles to the bottom of the tank, it can harden. In gas water heaters, this will create a buffer between the bottom of the tank that is heated by the gas burner and the water itself. The heater will not operate at its design efficiency and you may notice some rumbling noises. If enough sediment accumulates, it will eventually clog the drain valve.
In electric water heaters, the same accumulation occurs. This sediment will stick to the heating elements and form a whitish scale. The scale on the heating elements acts as the same buffer in the gas water heaters. The heat transfer from the elements to the water become less efficient as the scale build up becomes thicker. Like the gas water heater, if enough sediment accumulates at the bottom of the tank, the drain valve will become clogged.
Accumulation of sediment in the bottom of your water heater can be controlled with periodic flushing. Flushing will not remove all traces of sediment; however a routine flushing regimen will prevent excessive sediment build up inside your water heater.
Flushing Procedure:
CAUTION: THE WATER WILL BE HOT...........BE SURE NO ONE IS NEAR THE DRAIN HOSE OR THEY COULD GET SCALDED!
1. Turn power OFF to the water heater at the circuit breaker (electric heater ) or main gas line (gas heater).
2. Fasten a length of garden hose to the drain valve at the bottom of the heater. Put the other end of the garden hose in the nearest floor drain or snake it outside the home.
3. Close the shut off valve at the cold water inlet line.
4. Open the temperature and pressure relief valve at the top of the heater. Now open the drain valve and allow the water to drain. You will probably notice some small white particles (called scale or sediment) during the early stages of the flow.
5. When the water stops, close the drain valve and remove the hose. Also close the temperature and pressure relief valve at the top of the heater.
6. Open a hot water faucet somewhere in the home. Open the shut off valve at the cold water inlet line. You will hear the heater start to fill.
7. When you have a steady stream of water from the open faucet, turn the faucet off.
8. Turn power ON to the water heater at the circuit breaker (electric heater) or main gas line (gas heater). Allow the water heater to recover. Check the drain valve one more time to make sure it is tight.
Homeowners should flush their heaters at least every year. Some areas of the country with hard water may need to be flushed more often. After flushing your heater a few times you will discover the schedule that is right for you. Some areas may require MONTHLY flushing due to the water conditions, thermostat setting and amount of hot water usage by the consumer.
It is impossible to make a `one size fits all' maintenance recommendation for every heater. Each water heater has its unique applications once it becomes installed in your home. Flushing your water heater of sediment should be a scheduled maintenance event.
Common repair solutions:
If your GAS heater won't stay lit, replace the thermocouple.
If your electric unit won't heat, replace the element.
If the pressure valve leaks,
replace it.