Why does my hot water heater sound like a popcorn popper?

Question

I just moved into a 2-story home that has the heater upstairs (for all to hear). Is this normal and maybe I never noticed because the other heaters were always in the garage? It really sounds like something is popping inside it, alot like popcorn. It only does this when we're running hot water, or shortly after.

Answer 1

two reasons heater has sediment on bottom of tank drain as much as you can out , heater t-stat is set too high try lowering to 110 degrees

Answer 2

Strangely the high guy has the logical answer. When you heater fills up with sediment from hard water it will make it hard for the water to heat the water and instead will "cook" the sediment at the bottom of the heater. Almost the same as running it dry. It will not take long for the elements to burn up this way. Shut off the power at the circuit breaker. Undo the trim plate(s) on the front of the heater. drain the heater at the hose bibb at the bottom of the heater. Undo the wires from the element(s).remove the element with a tool you can get for under ten bucks at a home improvement or hardware store. While your there you may want to pick up new element(s) since yours have been abused and you will have them out anyway. Look on the front of your heater for the manufacturers label. It should tell you wattages for lower and upper elements. try to match the stated wattage. You can always go lower, not higher. The element screws out. Use a wet/ dry vacuume and rig up a thin semi flexible nozzle. Suck out as much sediment as possible. This may take awhile if your heater is chock full. Re install the elements, preferrably the new ones. there should be new washers in the package to put on the front of the threads of the elements. Screw them in tight. Hook up the wires, dosent matter wich wire to wich pole. And fill the heater completely before turning on the power. Run a faucet while its filling untill you run all the air out. turn on the power and you should have hot water without the popcorn as soon as it regenerates.

Answer 3

Lime in the tank, the previous home owner never drained or flushed it. No hazard, just cheating you out of a couple of gallons of hot water. You may be able to drain it or just replace it.

Answer 4

I don't know. Mine does that. It's in the garage by my washer and dryer. I hear it all the time too and wondered. Glad I'm not alone in wondering.

Answer 5

You probably have a leak.You need to get it checked out. It's nothing serious.