[jamesm113]

Hello,
My hot water makes rattling noises when in use. I've attached a video, hopefully someone can identify the noise. Feeling the pipes, it seems to be coming from the outlet side.

 

[rjniles]

Try draining sediment from bottom of tank.

 

[jamesm113]

No luck. And now the drain valve is leaking

 

[jamesm113]

Ok the leak has subsided to a very slow drip. I suspect it might resolve itself.

However, it's still making a bunch of noise... What causes that noise... sediment?

 

[jmon]

Watched your video several times. Hard to say. It's possible there could be a piece of sediment stuck in the outgoing line at the nipple causing the rattle. Sometimes there are rubber heat traps on those nipples that can trap sediment and cause that kind of noise.

What's the incoming water pressure and is there an expansion tank on the incoming cold water line? How old is wh?. Thanks.

When you feel the line does it definitely feel and sound like it's coming from the wh and not the exhaust duct work area?

 

[jamesm113]

No expansion tank, water heater was installed in 2000

Not sure on the incoming water pressure.

It definitely sounds like it's coming from the outgoing line. I put my ear up and could hear it clearly. It's not coming from the exhaust duct.

 

[jmon]

Thank you for that info.

So almost 16 years old. Has it ever been annually serviced? like flushing, cleaning of burners, anode rod replaced, etc.?

Does that rattling vibration seem like it's coming from the outgoing nipple area? Thanks.

 

[jmon]

Can't tell in video but do those nipples have a union for easy removal?

I'm thinking you have a ball or rubber type heat trap with sediment build-up that could possibly be causing the noise. Just a guess.

Unfortunately, the only way to know for sure is to remove the nipple. With a water heater that's over 15 years old, flushing sediment, old valves, removing nipples, etc., could be opening a can of worms.

As you found out when you opened and closed the wh drain valve, sediment got stuck and valve didn't close all the way causing it to drip now.

Please wait for the plumbers to respond, they will have more suggestions/advice. Thanks.

 

[ct18]

I believe it is the metal fin that drops down the center of the tank to help the exhaust gas escape from the burner. I did a service call on a Rheem years ago and that part came dis lodged and rattled like that. Its under the flue cap.

Just a shot in the dark though, good luck

 

[SeniorSitizen]

However, it's still making a bunch of noise... What causes that noise... sediment?

Historically yes, sediment causes that noise. Your heater is about 18 or 20 in dog years so possibly after santa is nice to everyone you can save for a new heater.

 

[Ghostmaker]

Your heater is due for replacement...