When you hear a popping sound coming from your water heater, it is a sign that something is not right with your tank. Failure to take care of the problem only leads to further problems for you as a homeowner, so taking care of it in a timely manner is crucial to saving money. When your water heater starts popping, it means that it is time for a full tank flushing in order to remove the debris and sediment build-up inside.
Why Is This Happening?
When the minerals in the water settle to the bottom of the tank, there will be a layer of build up on the heating elements on the interior of your water heater tank. If you have a gas water heater, then the sediment will fall directly on the heating elements and your water will no longer heat properly. The more sediment on the tank, the more likely you are to have the steel deteriorate and a leak to happen.
How To Fix the Problem?
To fix the problem, you need to flush the entire tank to get rid of all build up. The first step is to turn off the gas or the electricity operating your water heater. If your tank is a gas unit, turn the switch to pilot mode. Once the power is off, you need to turn the water entering the tank off as well. Turn the cold inlet valve to the off position. The next step is to connect a garden hose to the drain valve on the water heater tank and put the other end of the hose outside of the garage or into a bucket. Open the pressure relief valve to allow the water to drain out of the hose and into a bucket or away from the water heater tank (this water will be hot, so proceed with caution). When the water is completely drained from the tank, be sure to allow cold water in to help flush out any remaining sediment. Once you have done this you can remove the garden hose, turn the water supply back on, and turn the power back onto the unit. Always give the tank a few minutes to warm back up before you go to use your hot water inside the house.
How Often Do I Flush the Tank?
Depending on the area where you live, you might need to flush the water heater tank once or twice a year. Your local plumber in Tyler, TX can help identify the amount of minerals in your water and help you know exactly how often this needs to take place.