On Jun 9, 5:20�pm, "SteveB" wrote:
Suzie-Q wrote:
I'm doing laundry, washing a load with hot water. I just
noticed that, while the water is running to fill the washer,
there are noises coming from the water heater. It sounds a
little like when you throw your tennis shoes in the dryer:
that bumping sound they make.

Is this a bad noise? Can anyone tell me what's causing it?

The water heater is about eight years old. I have very hard
water and have never "drained" the water heater.

Thanks for any help.

I would drain it.

You probably have a lot of scale on the heating elements (assuming it's
electric). Draining it might or might not help, but it won't hurt.

If it has a plastic drain valve, buy a metal replacement before you
start the project. The plastic ones have a habit of breaking on the
first use.

If draining doesn't help, live with the noise until you start seeing
signs of impending failure, then replace it.
--
Steve Bell
New Life Home Improvement
Arlington, TX

if you attempt draining know that valve will likely leak, and if you
do get it open probably never close leak free again.

besides the small passages wouldnt allow crud to drain.

buy a ball valve, and just replace it.

but with a old tank it will likely cause a leak either short or long
term and the sediment decreases efficency.........

i would just leave it be and nose around or a new tank. although you
dont need to buy today