Popping Sound from Water Heater

Find out whether you should be concerned about your water heater making a popping sound. It’s nothing to worry about because it’s caused by normal expansion and contraction inside the pressure vessel as it heats and cools.

LESLIE: Next up, we have Laura in Louisiana who’s got a question for us. What can we do for you?

LAURA: Yes, when my hot water runs for quite a long time, my hot water heater makes a loud, popping sound.

TOM: Yes.

LAURA: And I was wondering if there is something I should be concerned about or not.

TOM: Not in the least. You’re listening to the expansion and contraction that’s going on inside that pressure vessel as it heats and cools. And if you run a lot of hot water out of it, it’s being rapidly filled up with cold water, perhaps the heating elements are not quite keeping up with that, you’re going to have more expansion and contraction and that’s what’s making that noise. I know it sounds terrible, Laura, but it’s really nothing to worry about.

LAURA: OK, well I appreciate your assistance.

TOM: You’re very welcome. Thanks so much for calling us at 1-888-MONEY-PIT.