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Why Is My Water Heater Making Noise?
Why Is My Water Heater Making Noise?
4.8 RATING

Why Is My Water Heater Making Noise?

Strange noises from your water heater? Learn common causes like sediment buildup, faulty heating elements, and high water pressure. Contact Mr. Rooter Plumbing for expert…

June 15, 2026
Why Is My Water Heater Making Noise?

A low humming sound when your water heater is in operation is normal and should be no cause for alarm. However, strange sounds like loud banging, screeching, and whistling are an indication of water heater trouble. Today, Mr. Rooter Plumbing looks into some of the reasons why your water heater may be making odd noises and the possible solutions.
Mr. Rooter Plumbing is the plumbing company you can trust for all of your water heater needs, including tankless water heater installation.

Sediment Buildup

This is one of the most common reasons for a water heater making noise. Odd noises like banging, popping, or rumbling can indicate sediment buildup at the bottom of the tank. The noise is a result of the sediment heating up and expanding. You may also notice other signs such as discolored water, reduced hot water flow, and higher energy bills.
To remove sediment buildup, you can flush your water heater tank by following these steps:

  • Step 1: Tu off the power supply to your water heater, either at the breaker box or by tuing off the gas supply.
  • Step 2: Tu off the cold-water supply valve to your water heater.
  • Step 3: Connect a garden hose to the drain valve at the bottom of the tank. Direct the other end of the hose to a floor drain or outside.
  • Step 4: Open the drain valve slowly to allow the water to flow out.
  • Step 5: Tu on the cold-water supply valve to allow cold water to flow through the tank for a few minutes to flush out any remaining sediment.
  • Step 6: Close the drain valve and tu the power back on.

If the sediment buildup is severe, it’s advisable to replace the hot water tank. Call a professional plumbing repair in Brick Township, NJ service to help you replace your deteriorating hot water tank.
Our plumbers recommend you drain and flush your water heater twice per year to prevent sediment buildup. A water heater flush improves heating speed, reduces heating costs, and extends the life of the appliance. If you have hard water in your home, consider installing a water softening system to address the problem once and for all.

Faulty Heating Element

A standard water heater comprises a heating element submerged in the water heater tank. As the name implies, the purpose of the heating element is to heat water by passing an electric current through it. When this component fails, it can produce buzzing, humming, or clicking sounds. These noises may be accompanied by other issues such as circuit breaker trips, hot water running out quickly, and lukewarm water. Repairing a faulty heating element yourself can be dangerous. It’s always a good idea to consult a professional plumber for safe and efficient repairs.

Our Customers Reviews

Chahib Chakrome

Summit, NJ

The service provided was great, nothing to say about the work of the plumber. 5 stars to him. But the company charges felt way too much for the work. We would have liked to have the same plumber take care of other things in the house, but every time he check how much extra the company will charge for the job, the price just got too much. The plumber did an amazing job he selected a beautiful faucet to replace our old one. He did his best. But the company prices have no room for negotiation.

Tiffany DeSande

Plainfield, NJ

A million stars!!!! Steve and Lucas were absolutely amazing. My parents pipes burst and within 4 hours of calling they came and fixed everything!!! Very nice guys and dealt with my panicking. I will always use them if needed in the future and you all should too!!! Thank god for people like this!!! Thank you so much guys!!!

Naomi Langer-Seltzer

New Brunswick, NJ

We got very quick service, I think the plumber actually arrived in less than an hour! After reviewing what was happening, he gave us our options and performed the option we selected. This happened in the late afternoon or early evening. It was already dark and there was a lot of snow on the ground.

Steve Smith

Mountainside, NJ

I needed immediate, same day service in the early evening at my home. I went to the internet and looked up plumbing services that offered "24-hour, 7-day a week" availability. The first 3 places I called said that they could not get to me until the following day. Then I called Mr. Rooter. They were courteous and promptly got a technician to my house within an hour and a half. The technician, Lucas Kaufmann, was exceptional. The job was not easy, but he figured the problem out and got me all fixed up within an hour's time. Moving forward, I…

Stephanie Brown

Cranford, NJ

Despite what was quite obviously a busy day (day after Thanksgiving at 10pm) TJ came out and did not leave until the job was done! There were several setbacks, which at the late hour might have prompted him to leave- but he chose to stay and continue until the job was complete! I only have one bathroom so I was really hoping he could make it work, and he really did a wonderful job! So thankful for all of his help! I highly recommend TJ!

Shaheen Dhanani

Union, NJ

This is my second time using Mr. Rooter and I have to say they are an excellent company of experienced professionals! The service techs were courteous, experienced and actually spent time trying to figure out the issue before proposing the solution. They were also patient and answered all my questions without rushing the work. I will be using them again.

Christie Murphy

Montgomery, NJ

TJ was amazing! 10/10 recommend this company. We were in an emergency state of panic with a burst pipe in the middle of a bad snowstorm. TJ came with knowledge, professionalism, kindness, and found the root of the problem within five minutes of being here. We will be using him again in the spring to fix an outdoor issue he found!

Alan Abraham

Clark, NJ

The technicians were friendly, professional and knowledgeable. The price was too high I believe, but the technicians had no control over that. The technicians took their time and did a great job. I would use them again and also recommend them.

Amy Swart

Berkeley Heights, NJ

Excellent service! Charles and Nicholas of Mr. Rooter arrived to my scheduled service a few minutes early, wore sanitary shoe coverings, and were extremely professional. They found the source of my leak quickly and fixed the issue. While they here, I requested an additional hydraulic heating inspection which they accommodated. They were very knowledgeable and provided helpful tips. I highly recommend this team and I will definitely call them for all future plumbing needs!!

JACKY Coppola

Wall Township, NJ

TJ came to my aid as the water pipe froze in my house. Although nothing could be done he gave me hints of what could be done my me which was very helpful. I found TJ very professional and caring about my situation. The best part of the very long night was the dogs adored him one wanted to accompany him to his next job. Thank you for employing such an amazing man. Plus today there is water running in the house. Thank you TJ and thank you Mr. Rooney plumbing for employing a man with helpful hints!!!!!

High Water Pressure

The normal water pressure should range from 40 to 80 PSI. If the pressure of the water flowing into the water heater tank exceeds this limit, it can cause unusual noises. Left unaddressed, excessive water pressure can damage water heater fittings and cause premature failure. Call a trusted plumbing repair service to resolve water pressure issues in your home.

Contact Mr. Rooter Plumbing for Water Heater Repair

Is your water heater making strange noises, and you can’t seem to figure out what the problem is? Call Mr. Rooter Plumbing for a professional inspection and water heater repair. We are the plumbing contractors you can count on when you need professional and affordable water heater services. Our specialists can diagnose and fix a wide range of water heater issues, including a broken heating element, a leaking tank, low water pressure, a malfunctioning thermostat, pilot light issues, and many more.

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