Water Heater Whistling in Lancaster, PA? Here’s What’s Causing It & How To Fix It

Whistling from your water heater is more than just an annoyance. This frustrating issue can be the result of stress or malfunction. While no water heater operates silently, it should be a fairly quiet appliance, and unusual noises often signal an issue. Luckily, most of the causes of whistling can be fixed easily once you identify the underlying problem.

Today, the expert plumbers at Lancaster Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electrical discuss how to fix a whistling water heater in your Lancaster home by helping determine the root of the issue.

Why Is My Water Heater Making a Whistling Sound? Here’s How To Diagnose the Problem

Strange water heater sounds in Lancaster properties are not uncommon and can be remedied easily once you determine the cause of the issue. Here’s how to identify why your water heater is whistling:

Sediment Buildup in the Tank

With an average water hardness of 11 gpg, Lancaster’s water contains high levels of minerals like calcium and magnesium. Over time, these minerals can build up at the bottom of your water heater’s tank to form a layer of sediment.

As your system’s burner or heating element works, water trapped in the sediment can turn to steam and create a whistling or popping sound. To avoid these issues, we recommend routine water heater maintenance that includes flushing your tank of any sediment.

High Water Pressure

If the water coming into your water heater has a pressure above 80 PSI, it can move so quickly through pipes, valves, and narrow openings that it creates a screeching or whistling noise.

This high water pressure can result in other serious issues, like added stress to your temperature and pressure relief valve. Homeowners can solve this problem by adjusting the pressure regulator and can even consider installing a pressure-reducing valve to keep their water pressure between 40 and 60 PSI. 

Faulty or Loose Parts

A water heater with a faulty heating element or loose parts can vibrate excessively as water flows through the system. These vibrations can cause a whistling sound and should be handled by a professional to ensure your water heater is safe and reliable.

Call a professional plumber to schedule water heater repairs. During an appointment, a trained technician can inspect all elements of your system to determine what loose or worn components are causing the unusual noises.

Call Today for Water Heater Repairs

When you need reliable help with these water heater issues, contact the Lancaster Plumbing & Heating team. We handle any problem promptly to avoid further damage to your system, with inspections and repairs from trained technicians.

As part of our comprehensive plumbing repairs in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, we can investigate any whistling or unusual water heater sounds to keep your water heater operating at peak performance. Plus, we provide upfront pricing and free replacement estimates to help you stay on budget.

Don’t let a whistling water heater cause unnecessary concern. Call Lancaster Plumbing & Heating to schedule water heater services for your Lancaster property.