Water heater banging ???

Kyle Kubs

As a Home Inpsector I occasionally encounter a water heater (typically gas) that, when it is heating, pings and bangs near the burn plate. Almost seems like cavitation, of course without the pressure drop. Unfortunatley as a home inspector I'm not allowed to dig in and see what is wrong, just report it. I always recommend evaluation by a licensed plumber to be sure but guess the problem is likely a buildup of sediment on the burnplate and recommend flushing as a potential cure. Anyone have further experience with this?

Thanks,
Kyle
Benchmark Home Inspections

gerry gill

you got it.

its sediment buildup from lack of flushing..water trapped below the sediment actually can flash to steam and a pop sound is heard..the only really practicle solution is to replace the heater..hey, if the previous homeowner wasn't willing to do a drain and flush a couple times a year then i dont feel a whole lot a sympathy for him..the tank could be cleaned, but time wise, its not worth it..

jim lockard

pop corn

most likly there is a layer of (lime) on the bottom of tank acting as an insulater. When it gets really hot you get a pop or flash to steam.

Larry Weingarten

agreement

Hello: We all agree that sediment in the tank is the problem. My understanding is that it slows heat transfer, causing overheating and steam. The noise comes when steam hits cooler areas in the tank and collapses violently, making noise. Some folks have a tool called a Muck Vac, which is a water based vacuum cleaner. It is used to clean out the sediment and this eliminates the noise. Check the anode while you're at it! Yours, Larry

Mark Hunt

YEP!


I "see" it all the time. (More like "hear)

Calcium comes out of solution when heated. What you have is a water heater that has been CALCIFIED.(AHHHHHHH)

Water molecules down in the calcium layer get heated to a point above which they can exist as liquid H2O. They rise and hit the layer above the "Calciumsphere" where the water temps are much lower. The steam molecule can't exist in that environment, and implodes. SNAP, CRACKLE, POP!!!!!!!

Now there are those that say you can flush the calcium out, but I say it can't happen. Once it is rock, it's rock forever.

My suggestion, new water heater and a water softener. Softeners add years to EVERY plumbing fixture in the house, lower the amount of detergents used, and even make your clothes last longer.

You could try "flushing" it, but all you do is make a trough in the sediment and most of it remains, PLUS you haven't solved the cause of the original problem.

Chemistry is FUNandmental!

Mark H

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Firedragon_4

It happens on boilers too!

Those are normally worth cleaning with a baking soda boil out. It takes a while, but it's worth the bother on both sides of the firewall/water jacket.