What does it mean when I hear a rumbling sound coming from the water heater?

Rumbling sounds can be an indication that sediment has built up on the bottom of the water heater. Water can become trapped in this sediment and begin to boil. This means the water heater is not operating efficiently, and the sediment isn’t allowing the heat to transfer to the water in the tank.

You can try draining a few gallons of water off the bottom of the water heater tank. Attach a drain hose to the valve at the bottom of the tank and allow it to drain for about five minutes. Many newer models of water heaters have a new feature that prohibits the buildup of sediment in the tank.

If your heater is an older model, it may be cost-effective to replace the water heater if the buildup is severe.

Contact Home Alliance for year-round maintenance of your water heater.

WARNING: Hot water is dangerous. Discharge the water into a floor drain, laundry tub, or bathtub. Hot water will kill your grass if allowed to run on your lawn and will also crack a toilet bowl if discharged into the toilet. Turn off power to the water heater before draining.