Hot Water Heater Making Noise

[TexasErin]

For two weeks now, my hot water heater has been making a constant humming-electrical sound. My stepdad came over after it started (since he's handier than DH) and didn't see any leaks. We have plenty of hot water.

I really hate to buy a new one when this one is working. But the constant hum makes me worry about whether it will have an impact on my electric bill. Plus could it explode????

My house is six years old, so the water heater isn't THAT old. Of course, I know these days nothing is built to last.

I thought about having a plumber come look at it. But then I also thought about the fact that a visit would probably cost $100. And hot water heaters aren't really that much more than that.

Anybody else ever had this happen?

Thanks!

 

[seashoreCM]

Constantly humming 24/7?

Can you feel a vibration or buzz when holding onto the cold water pipe inlet?

Are you sure it is the water heater versus something else nearby?

I can't think of this being the reason but if you have not done so regularly, drain out about two gallons from the drain valve down below. Repeat every 6 months. This gets rid of sediment that could shorten the life of the heater.

 

[buckeev]

Not trying to scare you, but if the humming is "electrical", it could be a loose/faulty connection, causing an intermittent short-circuit. IF that's the case, you really should get it looked at ASAP.

Hope you get it figured out.

 

[tvguy]

Do you have hard water? Could be a build up of minerals. Shut off the power, put a hose on the drain on the bottom of the tank, and drain it. Let it refill before you turn it on.
My parents had hard water, they used to drain their hot water heater twice a year, a bunch of slightly milky jelly like stuff would come out. But they described the noise more like a rumble. It went away for month after they drained the tank.

 

[Maddle]

Where did you find a hot water heater for a little more than $100?

I think you should call a plumber.

 

[tvguy]

Where did you find a hot water heater for a little more than $100?

I think you should call a plumber.

Water heaters start at $238 on the Lowes website, so, while that is over twice $100, it's close enough that I can see what the OP would consider just replacing the water heater over paying a $100-$150 service call.

Although reading the fine print, that's for a 6 year water heater. A 12 year will run another $200.....both kind of shock me because I expect a water heater to last at least 20 years. My first one made it 22 years (and only failed because DW kept hitting it with her car in the garage), and my current one is 14 years old (and cost $178 in 1999)

 

[kymom99]

I had a hot water heater installed at my rental property for $700. You are right, a service call will be about $100, but that is nowhere near what a new one would cost.

 

[kellyg403]

Yes, spend the money on the plumber. If it is electrical eventually you will smell a 'burning rubber' type smell and your water heater will be done.

BTDT trying to save a few bucks. Cost me a lot more in the end!

Kelly

 

[fbarker]

Water heaters start at $238 on the Lowes website, so, while that is over twice $100, it's close enough that I can see what the OP would consider just replacing the water heater over paying a $100-$150 service call.

Although reading the fine print, that's for a 6 year water heater. A 12 year will run another $200.....both kind of shock me because I expect a water heater to last at least 20 years. My first one made it 22 years (and only failed because DW kept hitting it with her car in the garage), and my current one is 14 years old (and cost $178 in 1999)

After having a water heater fail, while we were all out the house all day, and the cost for the water clean up I know estimate that a water heater will last about 12 years and will always replace it before it fails and pours water all over our basement. So much more peace of mind. DON'T WAIT FOR IT TO FAIL IT WILL COLST YOU WAY MORE THAT WAY!!

 

[tvguy]

After having a water heater fail, while we were all out the house all day, and the cost for the water clean up I know estimate that a water heater will last about 12 years and will always replace it before it fails and pours water all over our basement. So much more peace of mind. DON'T WAIT FOR IT TO FAIL IT WILL COLST YOU WAY MORE THAT WAY!!

I can see that. My water heater is in the garage, so a leak is no problem. Mine is electric, and if it's not a leak, it's just the heating elements which cost about $15 each (so $30 for both upper and lower) plus the service call cost.