[EmberMike]

My water heater just started making these groaning noises. It happens once every few days, it groans 10-15 times over the course of about 10 minutes, then it stops. Here's a video with the sound:

What is it? Anything I should be concerned about?

 

[AllanJ]

Was it a windy day where wind was making the flue pipe vibrate and resonate?

The sound does not remind me of any sound a tank filled with water could make.

 

[jmon]

looks fairly new to. How old is it?? ever been flushed to remove sediment buildup?

 

[EmberMike]

Was it a windy day where wind was making the flue pipe vibrate and resonate?

The sound does not remind me of any sound a tank filled with water could make.

It is windy today, but it's happened on mild days, too, doesn't seem to be impacted by more or less wind gusts.

 

[EmberMike]

looks fairly new to. How old is it?? ever been flushed to remove sediment buildup?

It was installed January 2019, never been flushed. Could there already be sediment buildup?

 

[jmon]

It was installed January 2019, never been flushed. Could there already be sediment buildup?

no, not very likely. I'm going to listen to it again.

 

[jmon]

Sometimes there are rubber heat traps on the dialelectic nipples that may pulsate which can cause a weird sound.

Call or go online to AO smith and upload and send them that video. it's still under warantee and very reputable company. They will let you know if that is anything to be concerned with.

Did they install an expansion tank?