At City Plumbing & Rooter, we receive calls from customers who are concerned about strange noises coming from their plumbing, including hot water heaters. One common noise customers report coming from their electric water heaters is a high-pitched whistling sound. So, what causes electric water heaters to whistle, and how can it be fixed? Let our professionals help!

Water Heater Tank Sediment

Faulty Heating Elements

Another possible cause of whistling in electric water heaters is a faulty heating element. If the heating element is damaged or corroded, it can create a high-pitched sound when it heats up. In some cases, the sound may be accompanied by a popping or crackling noise.

Other Causes for Water Heater Whistling

In rare cases, a whistling sound may indicate a more serious problem, such as a malfunctioning pressure relief valve or a blocked vent. If you hear a whistling sound coming from your hot water heater, it's important to have it checked by a professional plumber to ensure that there are no safety issues.

Fixing a Whistling Water Heater

Fortunately, in most cases, a whistling hot water heater can be fixed relatively easily. If the cause of the noise is sediment build-up, the tank can be drained and flushed to remove the sediment. This should be done by a professional plumber to ensure that it is done safely and effectively. If the cause of the noise is a faulty heating element, the element will need to be replaced. Again, this should be done by a professional plumber to ensure that the new element is installed correctly and safely, without injury.

Contact City Plumbing & Rooter for Water Heater Solutions

If you hear a whistling sound coming from your electric water heater, don't ignore it! While it may not necessarily indicate a serious problem, it's always better to be safe than sorry. Fixing a smaller issue quickly can help avoid larger and more dangerous issues down the road. Contact the professional team at City Plumbing & Rooter today to diagnose and fix your water heater woes!