Hot Water Tank sizzling noises

[steam_mill]

At the cottage, when the bottom element comes on, I here sizzling type noises.<br /><br />It is a 40 gallon tank that is emptied regularly(about 12 times per year).<br /><br />The sizzling sound is getting louder.<br /><br />Should I worry or can I stop it?<br /><br />The tank is located in a closet in a bedroom and it is quite loud.<br /><br />Ideas?<br /><br />Tx.<br /><br />Joe

 

[ob]

Re: Hot Water Tank sizzling noises

Probably caused from sediment build-up in the bottom of the tank.This sediment can trap heat from rising and cause sizzling and popping noises.Once it gets real bad it is difficult to access the tank through an element flange and dig loose and flush out.Might be time for a new heater.Otherwise,the heater should be flushed annually or as needed depending on how hard the water in your area is.This sediment buildup can also be exacerbated by a broke off or ruptured dip tube.The dip tube directs inlet water to the tank bottom and keeps particulates in susupension during hot water use.Most modern household heaters dip tubes are nothing more than thin wall plastic and the upper lip of the tube is prone to fracturing and breaking away from the inlet fitting.Best thing to do is just remove the lower element and flange and have a looksee into the tank to confirm.May get lucky and find a crudded over element.

 

[JB]

Re: Hot Water Tank sizzling noises

Non-boating Tech topic.

 

[Paul Moir]

Re: Hot Water Tank sizzling noises

Is hard water a problem in your area? If so, you could be hearing hearing the water boil out of the scale build-up on the heater elements. At least that's what I've seen. If you could pull them and clean them with some descaler, they'll last a lot longer. I know it's a pain in the neck, but maybe it could make for a lazy afternoon task.<br />If this is a problem, pull the anode at least for inspection. It will look like a large pipe plug (normally takes a 1-1/16 wrench) on the top of the tank, and should have an 3/4" aluminium rod 3' long or so sticking out of it, into the tank. New ones are around $20 but if replacement isn't common in your area you may be in for a bit of a hunt to find one. <br />I just had a problem with rusty hot water - the anode had been reduced to a delicate wire. Replacement solved it for now but I think that tank's got issues...<br />What do you have the water tempurature set to?<br /><br />PS - I don't think GSW/John Wood ever had a problem with dip tubes. I'm not sure if that's the brand of tank you have, but chances are it is.

 

[rodbolt]

Re: Hot Water Tank sizzling noises

hello<br /> could also be the over pressure pop off valve leaking. mine has done it once. while its sizzilng look at the pop off valve discharge tube. as the water heats and expands it tends to pressurize the tank. if you have no accumulator or the accumulator is filled due to a bad diaphram it will cause the pop off valve to hiss.