Water Heaters - Water Heater Popping Sound

Hi,

For a last few days I have been hearing popping sounds from my gas based water heater, it sounds much like when you make pop corns in a microwave.

I did the research and followed the "flushing" process. I flushed the water for a few minutes until it was all clear. There weren't a lot of debris to begin with but there was some light-greenish stuff that came out initially. Before flushing I did put the heater on "vacation mode" in the morning so that I didnt drain very hot water and i did the flushing process in the afternoon.

However despite of flushing the problem hasnt gone away and the heater has only been ~ 3ys old. Do I need to may be do it again as I didnt flush it when the water was hot? :wall: Anything else I can try? Suggestions?

Thanks!

My experience has been that tank draining usually does not get rid of the noises during the heating cycle. You could try it again, but don't expect much.

My experience has been that tank draining usually does not get rid of the noises during the heating cycle. You could try it again, but don't expect much.

So do you know what does? I dont want to ignore it make it turn it into a bigger problem...

A couple of things to try.

First, put the WH in the 'vacation' mode so that the burner doesn't fire oof and flush right them. Hot water will clean better than cold water.

Also, check your water pressure. A $5 pressure guage from a local hdwr. store that attaches to a hose bibb is all you need to do that. Pressure should be about 50 to 60 PSI. If it's higher than that, see if you have a PRV that can lower the pressure. That will be located after the water meter and just before the main shut off valve for the incoming water. If the pressure is higher than about 60 to 65 PSI and you DON"T have a PRV, install one.

I called American Water Heaters for assistance. I was asked to look into following things:

1) Drain the water heater and flush and drain with a gallon of Vinegar. - When I asked how I can get the Vinegar in i was told to put it in thru the inlet pipe. But I really dont want to remove any pipes / elbows.... is there any way to get it in without any plumbing work?

2) Check Orifice and see if its broken...

This one I looked form outside and the burner appeared working fine and I didnt hear noise from the burner it self. I dont understand how that can cause popping noise...


The noise is persistent and pretty loud, its making me nervous

Any suggestions?

PS: Havent had a chance to buy a pressure gauge.