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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Feb 2008
    Location
    Tennessee
    Posts
    105

    Default Heating Element Supposed to make noise?

    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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  2. #2
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Plano, Texas
    Posts
    4,245

    Default Re: Heating Element Supposed to make noise?

    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.

    Jim Luttrall
    www.MrInspector.net
    Plano, Texas

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Columbus GA
    Posts
    3,747

    Default Re: Heating Element Supposed to make noise?

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

    ' correct a wise man and you gain a friend... correct a fool and he'll bloody your nose'.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Philadelphia PA
    Posts
    3,177

    Default Re: Heating Element Supposed to make noise?

    Quote Originally Posted by Rick Cantrell View Post
    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.

    "There is no exception to the rule that every rule has an exception." -James Thurber, writer and cartoonist (1894-1961)
    www.ArnoldHomeInspections.com

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Feb 2008
    Location
    Tennessee
    Posts
    105

    Default Re: Heating Element Supposed to make noise?

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


  6. #6
    Join Date
    Oct 2010
    Location
    Southwest US
    Posts
    585

    Default Re: Heating Element Supposed to make noise?

    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!!


  7. #7
    Join Date
    Feb 2009
    Location
    Southern Vancouver Island
    Posts
    4,607

    Default Re: Heating Element Supposed to make noise?

    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.

    John Kogel, RHI, BC HI Lic #47455
    www.allsafehome.ca

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