skip to main content

Loud vibrating/shuddering noises from gas water heater

14 years ago

For several months we have heard loud shuddering noises coming from the gas water heater, and they're becoming very frequent now. I read an article (http://www.asktooltalk.com/questions/faq/plumbing/water_heaters/water_heater_deposits.php) stating it could be caused by sediment buildup. This seems reasonable because our TDS > 500, even after going thru the water softener, and our water heater has not been maintained whatsoever in its 9 year life. We have also noticed our hot water becoming progressively cooler over the years and that could be due to an abundance of sediment insulating the water. The article recommends draining the water heater and using a product called Mag-Erad to get rid of the sediment. It sounds like a fairly big project for a non handy person.

(1) Has anyone used Mag-Erad and how did it work?

(2) Our water heater is a "9 year" water heater and it's 9 years old. Is it worth trying to fix it or should we just get a new one? How long do they really last?

Featured Answer

jennifer42
Original Author

14 years ago

Thank you, Jake. After learning more about de-liming, I think it is better to replace. Will create a new post with some questions on types of WHs.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (6)

jake2007
14 years ago
I would concur that the rumbling sound you hear is lime buildup.

You can try de-liming it using a few gallons of white vinegar; however, I would suggest that you replace the heater.
Related Discussions
Electrolux Washer Making loud buzzing/humming type noise
Q
Comments (15)
Can't say for sure without direct examination or comparison to the sound of the pump on Day 1, but from this position afar, I don't think there's a need to stop using the machine. The sound is very much similar to the pump on my Neptune TL and a friend's Neptune frontloader ... resonating of a pump motor mounted to bottom of the machine's cabinet ... but perhaps a little louder. Unlikely there's a start relay on the pump, they're typically a shaded-pole induction motor. Your choice to call for a service appt for your peace of mind and to confirm if there is/is not a problem. Myself, I'd keep using the machine as-is until the situation gets obviously worse (because it may not) ... as in the pump either leaking or going dead. Or better, I'd break into the machine and examine the pump for evidence of a problem ... but I'm a DIYer and you may not have the ability.
...See More
loud noise from hot shower
Q
Comments (4)
Probably non-metallic piping which has been firmly clamped against a wooden framing member (big mistake). The piping changes dimensions with changes in temperature--expanding when heated -- no power on Earth can prevent it from doing so. It slips in the clamp and each such movement produces the chatter that you hear. It may gradually lessen over time with wear on the pipe and clamp. Or open the wall now and correct the problem. Classroom study of chemistry and physics is helpful in understanding materials and accommodating to the characteristics of those materials.
...See More
Pipe noise---does this sound like water hammer?
Q
Comments (12)
"However, clamping/securing the pipes won't solve the problem, if that's what it is." Clamping and securing can solve minor water hammer problems, though it is at the expense of small pressure excursions. For a long time a dead end was left in supply lines, often above the faucet and capped. Air trapped in the section provided a cushion to reduce water hammer. The air could eventually be absorbed by the water (more common on hot lines) and the easy fix was then to drain all the hot lines and refill them. With the air restored in the stubs hammer was eliminated until the air was absorbed again. Heated water has less dissolved air, so it is more prone to absorbing the air in the arrestor section. Modern hammer arrestors have a sealed chamber to hold their charge, often nitrogen, and rarely leak it out. i would agree that the very regularity makes it unlikely to be water hammer. Water hammer is usually traced to fast acting valves on washers, dishwashers, and other large flow actuated valves. I have seen it on long runs to single handle faucets. Slamming the valve closed quickly produced hammer every time. Without a valve opening and closing the problem is not water hammer.
...See More
Electric or Gas Hot water heater?
Q
Comments (40)
My Rinnai gas tankless water heater has a built in recirculation feature. My furthest bathroom is 50' from the tankless. The shower is hot within 8secs of turning it on. My recirculation pump is on a timer and is programmed based on my family behavior. I was really concerned after reading so many of the reviews online about tankless water heaters topics like temp sandwich and not being able to use multiple showers and appliances at the same time. I have low flow shower heads in my bathrooms from Grohe and Hansgrohe. Two of my bathrooms have thermostatic valves. The third has a very old pressure balance valve that will be replaced soon. The shower heads are rated at 2.5gpm. They perform really well. The tankless also has a feature to fill a bathtub,. I have used this once and the tankless worked like a champ and filled a 50gal tub in 9 mins. I have city water and will perform my first flush of the system in May. I was also afraid of the temperature drops as it got colder. We had a week of sub zero temps and I noticed no impact on the water heater. We can take two showers concurrently, run the dishwasher, washer and a faucet at the same time. My home has a crawl space and most of my plumbing runs through the crawl. The tankless unit is hanging on the wall in the utilities room. Just wanted to post another experience in tankless. One of the main drivers for going with tankless in my case was that I needed the space. The tank heater blocked access into the utility room and a wall needed to be taken down to remove the heater. I have a Rinnai RUR98i. Good luck!
...See More
Billl
14 years ago
My last water heater lasted 16 years.

Personally, before I spent a bunch of money on a new heater, I would try a quick cleaning. It is actually MUCH easier than that article makes it seem. It is the same way you would clean a coffee pot, but on a much larger scale. Dump out the junk, rinse it clean, hit it with a cleaner, and rinse again.

Basically, you just turn off the water heater, shut off the water, turn any faucet in the house to hot, and then drain the tank out the bottom. The water coming out will likely be a gunky mess. If so, close the drain up, turn the water back on for a minute, turn the water off, and drain it again. Repeat as long as you are getting gunk out instead of clean water. Pour in some vinegar, let it sit for a few minutes. Add some water, drain. Add some water, drain. Fill it back up with water and turn the heat back on.

Depending on how bad the problem is, you may be able to fix it for $5 of vinegar and a couple hours time.
hendricus
14 years ago
Don't forget the $5 for a new drain valve if you break the cheap plastic one that is limed closed. My vote is for a new one and then drain that every 3-6 months depending on your water situation.
jake2007
14 years ago
If you are getting loud popping noises, the lime is pretty bad. If you have the time and inclination to dink with it, go ahead and try a the drain and flush that Bill talked about.

You will typically run into a clogged drain valve and need to replace it or cap it with a hose cap if you can get the water to flow through it.
zl700
14 years ago
The popping sound you here is the lime boiling off the bottom when moisture gets through it. Every time it happens a little glass lining from the tank goes with it.

In your case the lime may be plugging the holes.

Related Stories

HOUSEKEEPING What's That Sound? 9 Home Noises and How to Fix Them

By Mitchell Parker

Bumps and thumps might be driving you crazy, but they also might mean big trouble. We give you the lowdown and which pro to call for help

LANDSCAPE DESIGN Beautiful Noise: How to Create a Symphony in Your Garden

By Jay Sifford Garden Design

Take your surroundings to another level by introducing the element of sound with ground covers, water features and wind catchers

HOME OFFICES Quiet, Please! How to Cut Noise Pollution at Home

By Christine Ciarmello

Leaf blowers, trucks or noisy neighbors driving you berserk? These sound-reduction strategies can help you hush things up

LANDSCAPE DESIGN Design Your Landscape for Peace and Quiet

By Jocelyn H. Chilvers

Block unwanted noise with plantings, barriers and water features for a more soothing outdoor experience

BATHROOM DESIGN Dreaming of a Spa Tub at Home? Read This Pro Advice First

By By Any Design Ltd.

Before you float away on visions of jets and bubbles and the steamiest water around, consider these very real spa tub issues

MOST POPULAR 11 Nominees for the ‘She Shed’ Hall of Fame

By Becky Harris

These special sanctuaries let busy women get away from it all without leaving the backyard

REMODELING GUIDES Contractor Tips: Advice for Laundry Room Design

By Buckminster Green LLC

Thinking ahead when installing or moving a washer and dryer can prevent frustration and damage down the road

FLOORS Is Radiant Heating or Cooling Right for You?

By Mariana Pickering (Emu Building Science)

Questions to ask before you go for one of these temperature systems in your floors or walls (yes, walls)

REMODELING GUIDES 10 Tips to Maximize Your Whole-House Remodel

By Ventana Construction LLC

Cover all the bases now to ensure many years of satisfaction with your full renovation, second-story addition or bump-out

MOST POPULAR 5 Ways to Hide That Big Air Conditioner in Your Yard

By Mariana Pickering (Emu Building Science)

Don’t sweat that boxy A/C unit. Here’s how to place it out of sight and out of mind

Sponsored

More Discussions

Calling all plumbers and contractors! Acrylic tubs you have known

7

Recommendations for under counter drinking water purification system?

15

Pfister Contempra Shower

0

Shower design help!

9

Shower faucet system

2