Heating Element Supposed to make noise?

[Greg Subick]

Just inspected a 3 year old electric water heater made by Richmond. During the entire inspection, it sounded like the upper heating element was hissing (almost sounded like water running through a supply line). Found that both thermostats were set at 150 degrees. Only after turning them down to 120 degrees did the "hissing" stop...and it took an additional ten minutes for that to occur after the thermostats were adjusted. My question is, should that element even be making a noise. I have not heard this before and even turned the temps up on my own electric which did not produce a sound? Any suggestions?

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[Jim Luttrall]

Not sure I would say it is "supposed" to make the sound but I hear it regularly. One in my own place does it and has for over a year with no ill effects so far.
I suspect it may be the result of smaller surface area on higher wattage elements resulting in water actually boiling at the water to element interface although I have no way to prove it.

[Rick Cantrell]

The heating element will cause a noise when it is encrusted in minerals.

[John Arnold]

The heating element will cause a noise when it is encrusted in minerals.

At 150 degrees, the noise is the sound of millions of Legionella pneumophila dying.
Just kidding, of course, and I didn't really mean this to be response to what Rick wrote. I done made a mistake.

[Greg Subick]

So then, the quote at the bottom of your posting is true?

[Benjamin Thompson]

It's like disk brakes, they put that noise in there to tell you it's worn out
Mine makes noise too, 1 year old. With our water, it probably is time to replace it.
(once again, confirming the truth of John's Arnold's quote)
Hey, Hey, new signature for me!!

[John Kogel]

Noisy Water Heater - Solving Hot Water Heater Noise Problems

Check this website out, this guy is probably a real annoying busturd, made a study of water heater noises.