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Whiskey_River's avatar
Whiskey_River
Explorer
Jun 13, 2014

Hot Water Tank Noise

Using city water @ 40psi I have a noise coming from the hot water tank that sounds like a motor running. It is a Suburban 10 gal elect & gas model. It makes the same noise regardless weather the water is hot or cold, ie just turning on the hot water before it gets a chance to heat up.
I changed the check valve at the top of the tank in the back used for winterizing, changed the anode rod, and open the pressure valve on the tank to let out any built up air pocket.
The tank is in an 09 fifth wheel, so it is not that old & started to make the "motor" noise about a year ago. It works fine & heats on either electric or gas.
Any ideas, or just learn to live with it???????????
Seeking Advice

8 Replies

  • larry_barnhart's avatar
    larry_barnhart
    Explorer
    Jun 14, 2014
    We have wintered for 6 months in az since 2001 and I am always surprised on how many rv'rs have never known about the air chamber.

    chevman
  • Whiskey_River's avatar
    Whiskey_River
    Explorer
    Jun 14, 2014
    OK thanks all.... It does just make the motor noise when the water is running. I put in a new check valve because last year when I was winterizing it, the old one would not stop the pink antifreeze from coming back into the tank. It only cost 6 bucks but is not the easiest to get at. So if it works to winterize, I will just learn to live with the "motor" noise.
  • Old-Biscuit's avatar
    Old-Biscuit
    Explorer III
    Jun 14, 2014
    fla-gypsy wrote:
    If it only makes noise when water is flowing it is coming from the check valve.


    X2
    That's the only moving part in WH.

    If it makes noise while heating using the electric element...element is coated in calcium/scale

    Air pocket is suppose to be there to allow for the expansion of the water as it heats so high pressure is not built up.

    Turn off water heater
    Turn off water supply
    Open faucet hot side to relieve pressure
    OPEN PRV via lever.hold open until water stops flowing then let if snap shut
    Close faucet
    Turn on water supply

    Air pocket re-established.
  • fla-gypsy's avatar
    fla-gypsy
    Explorer
    Jun 14, 2014
    If it only makes noise when water is flowing it is coming from the check valve.
  • stuplich's avatar
    stuplich
    Explorer
    Jun 13, 2014
    Whiskey River wrote:
    Using city water @ 40psi I have a noise coming from the hot water tank that sounds like a motor running. It is a Suburban 10 gal elect & gas model. It makes the same noise regardless weather the water is hot or cold, ie just turning on the hot water before it gets a chance to heat up.
    I changed the check valve at the top of the tank in the back used for winterizing, changed the anode rod, and opened the pressure valve on the tank to let out any built up air pocket..
    The tank is in an 09 fifth wheel, so it is not that old & started to make the "motor" noise about a year ago. It works fine & heats on either electric or gas.
    Any ideas, or just learn to live with it???????????


    Whiskey River
    There is supposed to be a "head of air" in the WH tank!
    Re-establish the necessary air pocket and try again!
    Don't open the P&T valve and let the "air pocket" out!
    Mel
    '96 Safari
  • ScottG's avatar
    ScottG
    Nomad
    Jun 13, 2014
    It's probably the check valve. Many, like mine, have been noisy since new.
    Doesn't bother me so I leave it as is.
  • larry_barnhart's avatar
    larry_barnhart
    Explorer
    Jun 13, 2014
    I have not had a check valve for years but last winter I had to removed the rear panel in the basement so I bought a check valve and it doesn't the same as yours. Friend also had the same noise but the fifth is 5 years old so when the new check valve made the same noise as his I was not a happy hot water camper. Now it is ok because I gave up and let it do it's thing.

    chevman

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