water heater

[JimDRIl]

I have a water heater, natural gas, 2 years old that is making rumbling noises like an old heater on its last legs. What the heck would cause this on a heater this new?

 

[504]

Check the drain for sediment,it can make some strange noises if it is covering the bottom of the tank.

 

[Jim in LA]

Have you drained the water heater since it was purchased? Could be sediment "boiling and exploding" when the burner is on. I am on a crappy water system, a lot of the pipes in town are 70 plus years old and every time the water company works on the system we get loads of rust in our lines. There is also a lot of lime and other stuff. Sometimes when my heater is running it sounds like bowling balls bouncing around inside it. I haven't drained it in a couple years and am pretty sure the sediment is above the drain cock. The heater is past its warranty (9 yrs) so I expect it will probably go out around Christmas.

 

[Steve@Advance]

How is the hot water pressure?

If there is a restriction in the line feeding the water heater, the tank pressure will drop when there is a call for hot water. A sudden drop in pressure can cause the rumbling.

 

[jeffcat]

When was the last time you flushed the heater? Mine needs twice year. Just what you are describing.

 

[JimDRIl]

How much water do you drain?

 

[Bret4207]

All of it if it doesn't start running clear. It also helps if you remember to remove the factory drain valve and add a 1/4 turn ball valve as they flow a lot more water. I never remember to do that.

I've heard of guys blowing compressed air into the heater through the drain to stir the sediment. Never tried it, but I think I'd leave the pop off valve open if I did.

 

[jeffcat]

Yes! Leave your house faucets open and flip the leaver open on the TP valve.
Drain the heater about 1/2 and then blow it with 40lbs. REGULATED air pressure.
You will not beleave how much stuff can get stirred up. Flush till it clears. A
good indicator your heater needs cleaning is it will start to rumble or rattle
or gurgle. This video is pretty good. Yes ....put a good full flow ball valve
on it.
How to clean

 

[jeffcat]

Forgot the picture.

 

[Dusty MI]

For me adding a water softener ahead of the water heater has eliminated the build up of trash in the bottom of the water heater.

Dusty

 

[1948CaseVAI]

Put the t-stat on the vacation setting, shut off the cold input, open a hot water faucet to admit air (so you do not collapse the tank) and drain it. You might have to open the cold to stir up the sediment to get more out but eventually you will make progress. You can get a large bore drain cock at the box store that will let larger pieces of sediment flow out.

 

[buickanddeere]

You need to invest in a water softener .

 

[Goneranchin]

Indigestion

 

[mgraw]

This site and the people on it are awesome. I'm going to replace the valve mentioned, I would never have even thought. This spring I replaced my propane fired water heater and about choked at the price. Thank God I could do it myself. I've picked up so much from you folks just reading. THANK YOU