Why Is My Water Heater Gurgling?

Water heaters rarely enter into homeowners’ minds, aside from normal maintenance and periods when they actively malfunction.

You can spot problems early on by listening for strange noises made by your water heater.

If you identify an issue early enough, you can call a professional to fix it quickly before it necessitates more serious repairs. For instance, listen for a distinct gurgling noise before or after you use it.

Why Does My Hot Water Heater Gurgle?

Rust, sediment, and mineral buildup in the tank typically cause water heater gurgling noises. This is common in older water heaters, which are more prone to rust and buildup.

When you turn the shower or faucet on, the hot water in the water heater tank rises to the top for dispersal into your house. It’s replaced by cold water, which needs to be heated in preparation for use. The cold water settles at the bottom of the tank below the hot water. If there’s a lot of scaling or sediment buildup when the heated water rises, it creates a gurgling sound.

How to Stop Calcium Buildup in Your Water Heater

By extending the life of your water heater yourself, you can save a lot of money. Here’s how you can combat calcium deposits:

• Flush your water heater once a year: You should drain your water heater once a year after it has cooled. Water will flush out calcium particles along with it.

• Apply organic chemicals: Vinegar or lye is the most effective way to combat calcium buildup. Let your water heater sit for a few hours to let the chemicals soak in the tank before turning it on again.

• Maintain the appropriate temperature: As the water gets hotter, more calcium is left behind. Ensure your water heater isn’t set above the manufacturer’s recommended temperature, usually between 120 and 140°F.

Installing a water softener is the best way to prevent calcium deposits from forming in your water heater and your entire plumbing system. This solution prevents calcium buildup before it occurs, saving you time and money in the long run.

How To Fix a Water Heater That Gurgles

A trained plumber can correct the problem by draining the water heater and cleaning off the scaling. Once the water is flushed out, the plumber can remove the sediment buildup and restore the tank to its previous capacity.

In some cases, the buildup might be too much to repair, especially if the water heater is particularly old. Most water heaters are under warranty, but you may want to consider a new one once the warranty expires.

JD Service Now Can Help With All Your Water Heater Needs

If you want to stop that gurgling noise whenever you use your water heater, contact JD Service Now for help.

We know how to repair and replace all manner of water heaters. Raleigh, NC, has been part of our service area from the beginning, and we pride ourselves on making all of our customers happy. We can clean your water heart if it needs it or talk to you about replacement options if the time is right.

Call us today or reach out online if you need a Raleigh water heater service.