Water heater high pitch squealing when heating

[Maury&Julie]

We recently noticed a high-pitched squealing when our water heater is heating. It stops once it has come up to temperature. Any ideas what the problem might be? It works fine. We are just concerned that something may be wrong.

This happens while we are plugged into electric by the way.

 

[thoer]

We recently noticed a high-pitched squealing when our water heater is heating. It stops once it has come up to temperature. Any ideas what the problem might be? It works fine. We are just concerned that something may be wrong.

This happens while we are plugged into electric by the way.

It might be the pressure/heat relief value letting off pressure as the tank heats from cold to hot and the water expands a bit. We found that the valve would often drip during the first heating cycle, but turning on the hot water at a tap relieved the pressure enough that the dripping stopped immediately. Ours would sometimes make some noise like you describe.

 

[Iowa Dave]

Squeals

Have you taken the cover off the the water heater panel when you hear the noise? That might help you pinpoint the source. My only thought might be some air escaping from the pressure relief valve as pressure comes up in the tank. With the system cold, I would flip the pressure relief valve a couple times to encourage a tight seal. Also checking for a very minor leak in the valve would be in order. They do corrode and fail on occasion. That's all I got.
Dave

 

[War Eagle]

... With the system cold,...

Just to emphasize Dave's "cold" water check. Be extra careful with that pressure relief valve if the water is already hot. You could get a painful face-full.

 

[Maury&Julie]

Thanks for the ideas Dave & Eric. Some sort of leak is a very logical guess.

I took the cover off and flipped the pressure relief valve a couple of times. It changed the pitch of the squealing (lowered it) when it was open but it went back to squealing when it was closed. Thanks for the warning, Dave. Sounds like I got lucky. The water wasn't yet very hot.

Next, I will check to see if it happens on propane. Don't know why that would make a difference. Also, we're hooked up to water (with a regulator). I want to see if it happens when we're not. So more investigation...

And who knows, it may just stop. I love problems that go away by themselves.

Thanks again!

 

[smac2]

Have had similar experience to your squealing on a household 220V electric hot water heater on heating very cold water. The heater would make noise when the element "kicked in" when being refilled with very cold water. Also found the squealing to be related to the amount of calcium build up on the element, when it was replaced shortly after with a new element.

Shannon

 

[Maury&Julie]

It's not doing it now, so I suspect it may have to do with the cold water, or the element. If/when I figure it out I'll let you know. Thanks for the ideas, guys!

We're fairly new at this so it's really helpful to know if problems are "normal" with a simple solution or "odd" with a sometimes challenging diagnosis. Sounds like this one's in the "odd" category.

Thanks again!!

 

[vermilye]

If it only happens when on electric, I agree with Shannon - there is some calcium or other mineral build up in the heating element that is causing the noise.

 

[steve dunham]

Chromolox sells a water heater element that has a low watt density and is made with incoloy . It will take running dry or heavy lime / mineral build up far better than a standard element.
Our water at home is quite hard and after replacing several water heater elements , I switched to the incoloy element.
Ten years on the same element without any problems
They are more expensive .

 

[Maury&Julie]

Interesting! This raises more questions.

1. Is replacing the element easy? Sounds like something I should check.

2. Is there any danger to the system from using an element with mineral buildup?

3. Steve, where did you buy the Chromolox element? I would like to check into it.

 

[thoer]

With you trailer being so new I'd be surprised if you have a lot of build up. Before buying anything or trying anything large scale, I'd recommend trying everything simple first. I used to go out and release the valve and that made it stop, but then realized just turning on the hot faucet reduced the pressure and made it stop also.

Unless it only does it only electric and not on LP, I'd say that is the most likely cause and is quite common and nothing serious to worry about.

 

[steve dunham]

Interesting! This raises more questions.

1. Is replacing the element easy? Sounds like something I should check.

2. Is there any danger to the system from using an element with mineral buildup?

3. Steve, where did you buy the Chromolox element? I would like to check into it.

1) No it is not difficult to change unless the threads are badly rusted . You will need an 1 1/2" socket , extension and ratchet.
I put anti seize on the threads to make element removal easier .
The element is positioned behind the propane burner tube which must be removed to access the element.
2) Mineral buildup causes poor heat transfer from the element to the water . It also causes the element to overheat shortening element life
3) I bought my heater element at Grainger's

I flush my water heater tank out and clean the buildup off the element yearly .

 

[Maury&Julie]

Thanks for the help, Eric and Steve. We have had the trailer a year now but have lived in it full time since Oct. So it gets used a lot, like every day. We're loving it.

Wish we were retired but we're working from it. A 21 and a Clam is a great replacement for a house. Working hard but at least we're enjoying the country. Went paddling amongst the alligators today in Palmetto SP in Louisiana. Beats the heck out of a coffee break! Wakes you right up!

I'll try the pressure release trick. I will also see if we have the same issue with propane next time we're boondocking.

 

[gbaglo]

I can't imagine you would have any mineral buildup on a trailer that young, especially if you are using California water.

 

[smac2]

Sorry to take the thread off topic but...

"Wish we were retired but we're working from it. A 21 and a Clam is a great replacement for a house."

What is a Clam?

To me it is a beer and Clam (beer and Clamato juice)

 

[cpaharley2008]

Sorry to take the thread off topic but...

"Wish we were retired but we're working from it. A 21 and a Clam is a great replacement for a house."

What is a Clam?

To me it is a beer and Clam (beer and Clamato juice)

Here is one

 

[Dave&Kathie]

Sorry to take the thread off topic but...

"Wish we were retired but we're working from it. A 21 and a Clam is a great replacement for a house."

What is a Clam?

To me it is a beer and Clam (beer and Clamato juice)

This kind of Clam?

 

[Maury&Julie]

That's it, Jim. We got the big monster and love it. I call it our "slide-out."

Sorry. Off topic, I know.

 

[cpaharley2008]

That's it, Jim. We got the big monster and love it. I call it our "slide-out."

Sorry. Off topic, I know.

I took the big monster King back and got the smaller Queen sized clam...

 

[rubicon327]

Interesting! This raises more questions.

1. Is replacing the element easy? Sounds like something I should check.

For future reference here is a video for element replacement on a Suburban water heater:

FYI I replaced one and got away with a regular socket that when pressed against the sheet metal it flexed enough inward to allow enough bite on the element fitting to remove and reinstall. That said it is always best to have the right tool for a job and I recommend the purpose made socket with the thin wall.