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Water Heater Making Noise

Three common causes, what is safe to check yourself, and when to call a pro.

Sediment has built up inside the tank

Pro required

Most common

Safe to check yourself

  • Listen for a rumbling, popping, or crackling sound from inside the tank, especially while it's heating
  • Check how old the water heater is and whether it's ever been serviced

Clearing sediment out of a hot, pressurized tank correctly is a plumber's job. Have it serviced rather than attempting this yourself.

A heating element or burner assembly is failing

Pro required

Common

Safe to check yourself

  • Listen for a high-pitched whining or screeching sound
  • Check whether the noise starts right when hot water begins heating up

This points to a failing part inside the gas or electrical assembly. Diagnosing and replacing it is a technician's job.

Pipes expanding and contracting, causing ticking sounds

DIY OK

Less common

Safe to check yourself

  • Listen for ticking or clicking right after hot water use stops
  • Check whether the sound is coming from the pipes near the tank rather than the tank itself

Ticking from pipes expanding is normal and not a malfunction. No repair is needed, just confirm the sound is coming from the pipes and not a rumble from inside the tank itself.

DIY or pro, at a glance

  • Sediment has built up inside the tankPro required
  • A heating element or burner assembly is failingPro required
  • Pipes expanding and contracting, causing ticking soundsDIY OK

When more than one cause is possible, start from the most common one above. If you are not sure which cause applies, this one is a pro job.

Not sure if it is worth fixing?

Run the numbers on repair versus replacement cost for your water heater.

See repair or replace costs for a water heater

Last updated 2026-07-03.