Many of us do not realize the importance of our water heaters until winter arrives. A functional water heater is a blessing when temperatures drop.

You need to take care of your water heater to keep it running when you need it the most. One of the most common signs of a failing water heater is unusual noises. If your water heater makes weird noises, you have every reason to worry. A noisy heater can indicate various problems.

Here are some common noises that malfunctioning heaters make and what they mean.

Banging Pipes

Banging pipes can indicate improperly secured pipes or an obstruction in the piping. Have your pipes checked by your water heater repair expert in Santa Rosa. The professional will either remove the blockage or secure loose pipes to address the problem. When water flows freely through your pipes, your plumbing system operates optimally.

Knocking/Popping

A loud knocking/popping sound indicates sediment build-up. More often than not, this happens due to a lack of maintenance. Without professional maintenance, limescale and other deposits form along the sides of the tank and burner. This creates a sediment barrier.

Sediment build-up will drag down the efficiency of your water heater. An inefficient heater will take more time than usual to heat water. It will also draw more energy, burning a hole in your pocket.

Gurgling Drains

Does your shower drain or sink drain gurgle every time you flush your toilet? If yes, have your plumbing system inspected by a professional. A gurgling drain may indicate a clogged pipe, drain venting problems, or air intake problems.

In a worst-case scenario, you may have a sewer line problem. If you suspect a sewer line issue, be prepared to spend more than usual on repair.

Whistling Showerhead

Often, showerheads get clogged. When this happens, they start making a high-pitched whistling sound. To address this problem, remove your showerhead and clean it. If the showerhead is still making weird noises, replace it.

Screeching Sounds 

Screeching noises often indicate water flow restriction. If you hear screeching noises coming from your water heater, there is a good chance that the inlet control valve is partially closed. Make sure the valve is open. If the valve is halfway open, turn it to open it fully.

Sizzling Sounds

If you hear a sizzling noise from your water heater, you may have leakage issues. The sound is produced when the leaking water drops onto the burner.

Is your water heater no longer as efficient as it used to be? Experts at Homan Plumbing can help. We offer a full range of plumbing services. Whether you have a malfunctioning water heater or a leaky gas line, we have got you covered. To hire our services, call us at 707-495-5002.