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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…

May 05, 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:

Our Customers Reviews

Larry R.

Howell Township, NJ

It was a late Saturday night. We had a super stubborn clog in some old galvanized pipes. Mr. Rooter send out Phil. Phil was great! He found the problem pretty quick. With determination and professionalism he final got it cleared out. I would recommend Mr. Rooter and Phil to anyone! He even cleaned up. We are so happy we choose Mr. Rooter!

Rose Bernard

Red Bank, NJ

We had a plumbing emergency and found Mr. Rooter while frantically searching for a 24-hour plumber. We feel like we hit a gold mine. Not only did we get a timely response. Everyone at Mr. Rooter was friendly, professional, competent and went above and beyond. Our plumber, Phil, was extremely helpful and gave us tips we could use moving firwars. Not to mention, the cost was extremely reasonable.

Joseph Chis

Hillsborough, NJ

Had sewer water backup in toilet and tub. Received callback as promised and arrived early. The tech determined we needed the main line to be cleared. He quickly located the opening and had us cleared in minutes. Very happy with the service. I was not prepared for the fee but it was an emergency.

Christopher Cox

Little Silver Township

Plumber, Phil, came out on short notice on a Saturday night and fixed our issue quickly, professionally and courteously. I contacted a different, well known plumbing company right before Mr. Rooter. The receptionist was rude and they didn’t call me back to say they couldn’t make it until after Phil left! The Mr. Rooter receptionist was very nice and they called me back quickly. I’m glad they did.

Debbie Dimitrion

Colts Neck, NJ

I just wanted to say James did a great job at my house. Excellent service, professional and very nice. Thank you so much for helping me with my plumbing problem. Did wonderful job.

Rachel Turunen

Jackson Township

I was very happy that I went with Mr. Rooter’s. The service was very quick and up front. Jessie James was very helpful answering my questions and replacing my hot water heater. He was pleasurable to do business with. If another problem arises in my home, I will be using this company again.

William Holden

Brick Township, NJ

A thorough, professional, pleasant experience. I had a back-up in the 50 year-old pipes of my new home. I called Mr. Rooter to have them locate the blockage, snake the line, and then use their video snake to get a visual of the integrity of the pipes. I’m glad that I called and will use them again for future needs.

LarJ MarJ

Oakhurst, NJ

You get what you pay for. Edwin Robles of Central NJ educated me as a 1st time homebuyer on why and what he was repairing, prevention, PROMPT,(on a sunday at that!) clean, knowledgeable, super professional but DOWN TO EARTH and at a REASONABLE PRICE! Sewer pipes unclogged and main water line fixed. I was no longer crying once job was thoroughly executed. After all $#@* $tinks but somebody has to do it and I HIGHLY recommend him and this company for a job well done. THANK YOU VERY MUCH!!

Margie Rafferty-Criscione

Ocean Township

Absolutely lovely office staff! I always knew when the repair person was coming. Lorenzo our repair guy was awesome, I really don't think there is anything he can't do. He looks young, but don't let that fool you! So happy all the repairs are behind us. We really just did a one-stop shopping and decided to have everything we've put off fixed because it was such a tremendous experience!

Why Is My Water Heater Making Noise?

  • 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.

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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