water pipe/heater noise, sounds like a truck

[PAULAMOORE]

We recently had our hot water heater replaced (electric). About a week after it was replaced we heard a loud noise coming from where the water heater is (its behind the wall in the bathroom). The noise sounds like a loud diesel engine, and lasts about 2-5 seconds with the volume tapering out slowly.

At first we only noticed the noise after using hot water in the bathroom sink. However it has since started happening intermittently every 45-60 minutes even when the water has not been used recently. The noise does not seem to be affected if water is turned on or off while it is present, though it is so brief its hard to tell.

We tried turning off the water main and opening all the faucets to drain the lines in case of air. This did not seem to solve the problem. The noise also appeared while the water heater was off and full of cold water.

One detail that may be of note. The first time we turned on our hot water in the bathroom after the water heater had been replaced the line clogged almost immediately. After removing the screen/aerator from the faucet a large glob of pipe join sealant fell out.

Since then I’ve noticed that if I remove the faucet screen in the bathroom and ran the faucet on hot at full blast the same truck-engine noise can be heard constantly while the water is running, though the noise is considerably muted and doesn’t seem to emanate from the space where the water heater is like the rest of the time.

Any thoughts on what it is? I’ve searched around the net and most of my searches lead to water hammering which doesn’t seem consistent with whats happening here. Should I turn my water heater off in the meantime as a safety precaution? I tested the relief valve this afternoon and it worked fine.

Thanks,

D. Tibs

[robsamParticipant]

I am sure that you need to drain your water heater tank. The noise is definitely coming from the tank due to lime and water scale. Draining and cleaning is the best option for you. Cleaning the water scale is quite difficult because they do not remove easily. You can manually scrap the scale or you can use chemical de-limer for it.

[robertshawnParticipant]

A choked up pipe can also be the culprit in here. Hence, make sure that you have cleaned it up. If the problem still persists, consider taking help of professional plumber.

[briancooperParticipant]

Thanks for sharing this information for getting rid of the water pipe/heater noise. I found this post really helpful as well as informative.

[Author]

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