Is a Hissing Water Heater Dangerous?
An efficiently functioning water heater is an essential home plumbing appliance that ensures a constant and reliable hot water supply for various household purposes whenever required. However, like any other mechanical equipment, it is normal for water heaters to develop issues that may affect their performance.
Several homeowners call plumbers to complain of their water heater making weird hissing noises. Whether a hissing water heater is dangerous or not depends on the underlying cause. A range of reasons can make a water heater hiss. While some may indicate a substantial problem requiring immediate water heater repair or replacement by a professional plumber, others are not severe enough to cause any concern and may only need a quick fix.
Let us look at a few possible reasons why a water heater makes hissing sounds.
High water heater temperature
A water heater can hiss when its temperature is too high (140 degrees Fahrenheit or higher). Water heaters have a temperature-pressure release (TPR) valve as a safety feature to regulate the water temperature. When the water inside the tank gets too hot, the pressure reaches a dangerous level. The valve automatically opens to release the excess stress to prevent tank explosion. The hotter the water, the higher the tank's pressure. The release of pressure from the TPR valve can sometimes produce a hissing sound. Lower the water temperature to 120-degree Fahrenheit to fix the issue. Also, check to see if the T7P valve is broken and requires replacement.
Condensation
A usual and common cause of a hissing water heater is condensation which occurs only when a large amount of hot water is used, in a short time, like a long shower or a running dishwasher. As the hot water empties from the tank, it begins to re-fill with cold water, causing condensation to build on the tank's outer surface. When the moisture rolls down and comes in contact with the hot parts, it produces a sharp hissing sound. Higher condensation means louder hissing sounds, and the time taken by the heater to heat the water determines the length of the sound.
Tank leaks or fractures
When the water heater makes a hissing or sizzling sound at all times and not solely after high hot water use, it might indicate a big issue. A crack or leak in the tank causes the water to escape the tank and touch the hot heater surfaces, causing a hissing sound in the same way as condensation does. Another sign of a leaking water heater is noticing water puddles underneath the water heater tank. Small cracks or fractures grow big over time, causing significant water leakage and can eventually cause the tank to burst. Call a plumber to inspect and fix the leak.
Sediment build-up
Dissolved minerals like calcium and magnesium in hard water crystallize and settle at the bottom of the water heater tank, and the layer of minerals sediments thickens over time. The sediment build-up traps the water bubbles that make a hissing sound as they boil and turn to steam. The water heater also produces popping and rumbling sounds in addition to hissing due to sediment build-up. Call an experienced plumbing company to inspect and determine whether your water heater needs replacement or a simple flush.
Water Wise Plumbing offers Las Vegas area residential plumbing repair for water softeners, sewer lines, water line reroutes ,tankless water heaters, and more. We perform water heater flush, sewer line camera inspection, hydro jetting. Call us today at (702) 605-6408.
