How do I get the gurgling out of my hot water heater?

Answer 1

It sounds to me as if your water heater has a layer of lime built up at the bottom. It is requiring a great deal more heat from the burner to get the water hot. The muddy mixture of lime and water at the bottom is likely bubbling and causing the noise. At least that is what happened to mine. To prevent that, I occasionally drain my heater and put about five gallons of vinegar in it. I run the heater at the lowest setting and it literally dissolves the lime. I then drain the vinegar and flush with fresh water till it doesn't smell. You might not be able to drain yours if the lime has built up too high. So if the heater is more then ten years old and you live in an area that has a high level of minerals in the water, I would recommend replacing the water heater. Ask around, your co-workers or a friend might have some experience with that. There are flexible pipes you can get at any good hardware store to make the job easier.

A new water heater should use about 1/3 less energy than a ten year old one, and it will reheat a lot faster than the old one. If you ever had to take a cold shower because the washing machine used up all the hot, you know what I mean.

Answer 2

Have you ever drained you water heater? If not its a piece of cake ...connect garden hose to bottom drain ...shut off water supply and 220 breaker to heater(if electric)...let it set 1 day....to cool. Drain away from plants or the warm water will kill them.. lower the water temperature to medium low..this saves you about 20% on bills ....refill and this should solve the gurgling sounds.

Answer 3

sounds like you need to call a plumber because this may be in indication of needing a new one. I had an issue with that as well. Mine was old and just replaced. Not cheap, but it will need to be done sooner or later. Good Luck.........

Answer 4

It could be the T&P (temp & pressure) valve going bad, or too much water pressure causing it to leak.