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AO Smith Water Heater Troubleshoot Noise

Water heaters are something many find themselves using multiple times a day, but this plumbing fixture is something that is typically used, but never heard. If your AO Smith water heater is making noises, what troubleshooting steps can be taken?

If your AO Smith water heater is making noise, troubleshooting steps include confirming a sizzling noise due to the dripping of condensation, tightening any loose pipes, flushing the heater a few times, and paying close attention to the sound being produced to tailor troubleshooting methods.

Man plugging both ears because of loud noise

Being the largest manufacturer for water heaters in North America, many home and business owners may find themselves using the reliable, time-withstanding, and affordable water heaters that are offered by AO Smith. Even with being a well-known marketer and manufacturer, there are times when products simply need a bit of tuning. If you have an AO Smith water heater and it is making noise, read on to find the right troubleshooting method for your specific issue.

AO Water Heater Troubleshoot Noise/Sound

Home inspector checking water heater

When it comes to various appliances within your home or business, there are going to be those that will make a bit of noise that is normal and frankly, simply unavoidable. However, when it comes to the water heater, this plumbing fixture should be one that works without owners ever hearing a sound. If your AO water heater is making noise or is producing a sound, take a look below to see the troubleshooting methods that can resolve this issue.

If your AO water heater is making noise or other sounds, troubleshooting methods include confirming a sizzling noise due to the dripping of condensation, tightening any loose pipes, flushing the heater a few times, and paying close attention to the sound being produced to tailor troubleshooting.

AO Water Heater Making Noise

Home inspector checking water heater

When you turn your dishwasher on, you expect to be able to hear the low hum and spraying of water when the appliance is in the middle of a cycle. Just as so, when using a washing machine, you will likely hear the same type of hum and low sound of spinning as the machine goes through a spin cycle. When it comes to your water heater though, what kind of noises should raise concern and which are completely normal, just as other appliances?

If your AO water heater is making noise, pay close attention to the sound being produced. If you hear a noise that is sizzling, this is completely normal as condensation is the cause of this sound. When condensation drips to the burner, the water will evaporate.

AO Smith Water Heater Fog Horn Noise

Fixing water heater

As previously noted, there are certain sounds that are perfectly normal when it comes to your AO Smith water heater, however, there are also sounds that may sound a bit more concerning. When turning hot water on that has been heated within an AO Smith water heater, you should be able to do so and only hear the flow of water come from the spouts. However, if you hear a fog horn noise when the water is turned on, what does this mean?

If your AO Smith water heater is making a fog horn noise, it is most likely that a loose pipe is the cause. If a pipe is loose enough, the vibrations from the water coming to the spot will cause the pipe to vibrate so intently that a fog horn noise will produce.

AO Smith Water Heater Popping/Knocking Sound

Female covering ears with hands and pillow

When you hear a sizzling noise coming from your AO water heater, you know that this is simply condensation dripping to the burner and is completely normal. When it comes to sounds that resemble that of a foghorn, it is most likely a loose pipe that needs tightening. However, when you start to hear popping or knocking sounds coming from your AO water heater, what do they mean and what can be done to stop them?

If your AO Smith water heater is making a popping or knocking sound, try flushing the unit a few times. To do this, connect a water hose to the drain valve, turn the heater to pilot, turn off the cold water supply, open the hot water side on any tap, then open the drain valve and drain.

AO Smith Water Heater Burner Sound

Fixing water heater

When you set a cold tea kettle with a bit of water on the bottom onto a hot stovetop, you expect to hear a bit of burning and sizzling as the water evaporates and eventually is gone. This is a normal sound for a stove, especially in such a capacity, but when it comes to a hot water heater, should you ever hear a burning sound coming from it? To see what the burner sound means on your AO Smith water heater, continue reading below.

Copyright article owner is ReadyToDiy.com for this article. This post was first published on April 6, 2022.

If your AO Smith water heater is producing a burner sound, this is actually quite normal. Condensation will drip from the unit onto the burner, which will produce the sound of something burning. This is simply the water evaporating within the unit and is no cause for concern.

AO Smith Water Heater Loud Noise

Fixing water heater

When noises are soft and relatively unnoticeable within your AO Smith water heater, you are left with much more peace than if the unit begins to make loud and interruptive noises. When it comes to the level of noise being produced by your AO Smith water heater, those that are obviously loud spark reason for concern. Therefore, if your AO Smith water heater is making a loud noise, take a look below to see how to proceed.

If your AO Smith water heater is making a loud noise, pay close attention to the type of noise being produced. Depending on the noise coming from the unit, the diagnosis and solution will vary. Therefore, record the sound so troubleshooting can be tailored to what is specifically being produced.

AO Smith Water Heater Humming Noise

Fixing water heater

When dealing with a water heater that is producing noises, depending on the noise being made, the solution will vary, which is why it is so important to be able to specify the sound coming from the unit. If you have an AO Smith water heater and it is making a humming noise, what could this mean? To see what a humming noise coming from your AO Smith water heater indicates, continue reading below.

If your AO Smith water heater is making a humming noise and you have a gas unit, check that the gas line is fitted properly and tightened. If you are using an electric unit, the element is the likely cause of the humming sound and will simply need to be tightened to stop the noise.

If your AO Smith water heater is making noise, pay close attention to the specific noise being produced to tailor troubleshooting methods, check for any loose pipes, flush the water heater a few times to get rid of problematic sediment, and tighten the gas line or element for eclectic units.

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ReadyToDIY is the owner of this article. This post was published on April 6, 2022.

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