What Causes a Water Heater to Shake?

Jul 15

The water heater is among the most robust appliances in an average household. However, it is also prone to major problems. Some of these issues can even make the heater shake. But what exactly causes the rumbling, and is it a reason to worry?

Here are the two most frequent causes of shaky water heaters:

Severe sediment accumulation

Water heaters aren't immune to the harmful effects of sediment. It can make the unit produce rumbling sounds and shake. However, let's consider how the appliance works to explain why deposits are so harmful.

The water inside the heater contains minerals. As the water heats up, the minerals are flushed out and have nowhere to go but to the bottom of the appliance. Problems arise when some of the water ends up underneath this layer, causing it to trickle through the sediment. The water passes through this build-up and causes the heater to shake.

Should residents be worried about this problem? The answer is a resounding yes.

Leaving mineral build-up unchecked is ill-advised since it makes the appliance less energy-efficient. The sediment layer impedes heat transfer, which is why the unit has to work twice as hard to heat water. The longer this goes on, the more money is allocated for sky-high electricity bills.

In addition to lower energy efficiency, sediment accumulation can lead to structural problems. As the mineral layer grows, it becomes heavier. The heater can no longer withstand the pressure at a certain point, resulting in cracks. These cracks allow water to escape, further decreasing efficiency and leading to widespread water damage.

The only way to deal with the sediment for good is to flush it out. A DIY job is ill-advised since the process requires specialized tools. Only a trained plumber is skilled enough to use them correctly and remove the deposit safely.

Bad dip tube

The water heater consists of various parts, but none are as important as the dip tube. The component carries cold water to a certain area of the device for heating. From there, hot water is distributed to the rest of the system, allowing the residents to use it for showering, doing the dishes, and other purposes.

But that doesn't happen when the dip tube breaks. Hot water will mix with cold water, which produces a loud rumbling sound and can make the appliance shake.

Replacing the tube is usually the only solution.

Qualified plumbers are a phone call away

A shaky water heater is much more than an inconvenience. It requires in-depth diagnostics and customized solutions. Both of these are available only if the property owner hires a seasoned plumber. Utilizing advanced equipment and possessing next-level skills, they can diagnose the problem and fix the unit in no time.

With over 25 years of experience, American Discount Plumbing has offered expert plumbing service and repair in Phoenix, Arizona, and surrounding cities at affordable rates for both residential and commercial properties. We are a licensed, bonded, and insured plumbing company offering 24-hour emergency service. We provide lasting general plumbing, water leak detection and repair, toilet repair, pipe repair, and water heater repair or replacement solutions. Call 602-883-2787 today!