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The most common complaint of noisy operation is the result of sediment accumulation in the water heater tank. Other causes are expansion and contractions of metal parts, condensation and water hammer.
Sediment in the tank (even in small amounts) will create noises, which begin shortly after the main burner ignites and the tank bottom heats up. The sound is a ping, popping, rumbling, or boiling in the tank. Minerals in the water supply, which settle to the bottom after being heated form a hard layer of scale in which small air pockets form between the tank and the layer of sediment. As the minerals are continually heated, the air pockets release thus creating the noise.
Sediment is in all water supplies and there is no way to stop it from forming in a conventional water heater. Periodic draining does help but will not always eliminate the problem all together.
Condensation
Many gas-fired water heaters have been diagnosed as leakers when the heater was not leaking but rather condensation had fooled the plumber or homeowner.
A certain amount of condensation will form on all gas-fired water heaters whenever the tank is filled with cold water and the burner is on". Moisture from the products of combustion will condense on the cooler tank surfaces and form drops of water, which may fall onto the burner or other hot surfaces to produce a "sizzling" or "frying" noise. This condition is most prevalent in the winter months when incoming water temperatures are cooler, but can occur in varying amounts at different times of the year. Condensation will only be present when the burner flame is on and the water in the tank is heating and should not be confused with a leaking tank.
Excessive condensation due to undersizing and/or improper venting will cause a number of problems including pilot outage and premature corrosion of the burner area and the tank itself.So before the heater is assumed a "leaker", check it one more time and be sure it is not condensation you're experiencing. To discuss other common water heater problems such as slow recovery or relief valve discharge call our Liberty office at (845) 292-6400 and ask for Larry. We thank State Industries for these and other tips.
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