Thread: Water heater noises

We bought our house 4 months ago. My husband deployed to Afghanastan and now my water heater making gurgling noises. It is only 2 years old. Something I should be worried about? Did not want to call plumber if I did not have to spend any extra money. Cannot see any leaks...just the weird noise after running hot water. Thanks for any help. Army wife.

Similar Threads:

• ABS Flue Pipe on LP Water Heater
• Tankless water heater comment
• Water Heater Location
• Water heater Question
• Reverse plumbing to water heater

It is likely nothing to be alarmed about.
If it is a gas or oil fired water heater the flame heats the bottom of a tank filled with water and sometimes the water at the bottom will actually boil momentarily before mixing with the colder water above. The same thing can happen with an electric heater but to a lesser degree since the electric heating elements are immersed in water midway up the tank. The electric heater noises I would describe more as "fizzing" than "gurgling".
Water heaters in general should be drained annually to flush out sediment that collects in the bottom of the tank. The sediment can add to the intensity of gurgling noises. There is likely instructions in the owners manual which should be near the heater. A quick internet search can usually turn up missing documents should the need arise using the brand and model number from the data plate information.

Thank you, your family, and your husband for your service.

Mr. Luttrall:
Thank you for your thoughts both on the water heater noises, and especially on your thoughts for my husband and our family. God Bless You.
Sgt. L. Lang

Noisy Water Heater - Solving Hot Water Heater Noise Problems

This website might help. It lists the various noises, rumbling, ticking, fizzing or popping and what causes each.

Thank you for the information on waterheaters.