Strange thing - We are parked in an RV park with full hook-ups so we are connected to outside water and elec (sewer too) so our 12 gal Suburban water heater is on electric and has been for almost a week. The water pump is off as is the "gas" switch for the heater. Yesterday the water heater began to make a noise resembling water flowing through some kind of restriction, or friction. It only happens with the hot water and when I put my hand on the body of the heater, reachable inside the coach, I can feel a subtle vibration. This is not felt when I grasp any of the plastic plumbing to or from the heater. The sound is obviously coming from the heater itself. I have no leaks inside or out and the hot water flow has not changed.Any ideas what to check or look at or what it might be?BobP.S. We are in Terlingua, TX if any of you are in the area. Also why are we getting this long disclaimer at the end of each message we get?

It could be calcium built up on the electric element causing the noise.

Is this when heating the water?.......if so build up on electric element. Drain and power flush WH tank using a WH cleaning wand OR by turning on water supply with drain plug out. Depending on amount of build up you may have to remove element to clean (or replace).If this is occurring when you are using hot water then the check valve in WH hot outlet is chattering......due to scale build up or because it is coming apart.Check valve is internal of outlet nipple on WH tank. Replace it OR tear the internals out and install a valve on hot outlet line. Check valve is only needed when bypassing WH when winterizing.You are in a very hard water part of the country.......so probably have both problems

If popping noises persist, consult a plumbing contractor regarding replacement of the anode rod in the tank. Anode rods are designed to attract minerals and can deteriorate over time. Ineffective anode rods allow excessive buildup of minerals, leading to popping noises and other problems.Replace a deteriorated anode rod with a collapsible anode rod that allows installation in water heater closets without removing the tank.

I would just try flushing the heater out first. Simple, won't cost anything, and it is probably loaded with junk in the bottom.

If it only happens when you are running water out of the hot water tap, it is the check valve located at the back of the water heater on the hot outlet.

Water Heater Noise | Good Sam Community

aruba5er
Explorer
Dec 16, 2013
a plumbing contractor to replace an anode rod. You got WAY too much money.DIY or ask some other camper around you. If you have a RV you must know how to fix things or you will be in the poor house in short order. Nuf said. the noise could be the water boiling off the element. Happens all the time in electric heaters at a home. No differance, smaller tank. Some (Attwood) don't have anode rods nor does mine (Surburban) as I took it out in 2007 and installed a 3/4" brass ball valve in it's place. Can blow out the crud in seconds now if needed. Household water heaters have an anode rod and no one would ever think of replacing them. Think about it. Have any on you reading this even thought about it. Be honest now.
fishingbob61
Explorer
Dec 16, 2013
X2 to eHoefler
Old-Biscuit
Explorer III
Dec 16, 2013
Johnadam wrote:
If popping noises persist, consult a plumbing contractor regarding replacement of the anode rod in the tank. Anode rods are designed to attract minerals and can deteriorate over time. Ineffective anode rods allow excessive buildup of minerals, leading to popping noises and other problems.Replace a deteriorated anode rod with a collapsible anode rod that allows installation in water heater closets without removing the tank.

RV water heaters that use an anode rod (Suburban Brand ONLY) have the anode rod as part of drain plug.........no professional plumber needed, no removal of tank needed........just remove drain plug/anode rod clean it up with a wire brush, flush water heater tank and re-install drain plug/anode rod.
IF it's a Suburban Brand WH (Atwood Brand nt use anode rods)

No need to replace anode rod until it has deteriorated 75%
eHoefler
Explorer II
Dec 16, 2013
It is water heating up around the element, perfectly normal. Residential units will also do it.
jetcare
Explorer
Dec 16, 2013
If it only happens when you are running water out of the hot water tap, it is the check valve located at the back of the water heater on the hot outlet.
Dave_H_M
Explorer II
Dec 16, 2013
I would just try flushing the heater out first. Simple, won't cost anything, and it is probably loaded with junk in the bottom.
Johnadam
Explorer
Dec 16, 2013
If popping noises persist, consult a plumbing contractor regarding replacement of the anode rod in the tank. Anode rods are designed to attract minerals and can deteriorate over time. Ineffective anode rods allow excessive buildup of minerals, leading to popping noises and other problems.Replace a deteriorated anode rod with a collapsible anode rod that allows installation in water heater closets without removing the tank.
Old-Biscuit
Explorer III
Dec 16, 2013
Is this when heating the water?.......if so build up on electric element. Drain and power flush WH tank using a WH cleaning wand OR by turning on water supply with drain plug out. Depending on amount of build up you may have to remove element to clean (or replace).

If this is occurring when you are using hot water then the check valve in WH hot outlet is chattering......due to scale build up or because it is coming apart.
Check valve is internal of outlet nipple on WH tank. Replace it OR tear the internals out and install a valve on hot outlet line. Check valve is only needed when bypassing WH when winterizing.

You are in a very hard water part of the country.......so probably have both problems
vermilye
Explorer
Dec 16, 2013
It could be calcium built up on the electric element causing the noise.

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