NOISY HOT WATER SYSYEM?
IS YOUR HOT WATER SYSTEM MAKING A BUBBLING OR BANGING NOISE?
If your hot water system is making popping, bubbling, rumbling or loud banging noises while heating, it may be experiencing a problem known as kettling. Kettling can occur in both gas and electric storage hot water systems.
HOW CAN KETTLING BE FIXED?
There are generally two options…
OPTION 1: REMOVE AND CLEAN THE EXISTING HOT WATER SYSTEM
The existing system may be disconnected, drained and removed so the tank can be thoroughly flushed to remove as much sediment as possible.
Pricing starts from approximately $350.00
This process is labour-intensive and does not guarantee that all sediment or mineral buildup can be removed. If deposits have hardened inside the tank, cleaning may reduce the noise without eliminating it completely.
Moving and cleaning an older tank can also place additional stress on already worn components. There is a risk that the system may leak, become damaged or fail during or after the work. For this reason, cleaning is generally best considered only when the condition and age of the tank make it worthwhile.
When servicing the existing system, we also recommend inspecting and, where suitable, replacing the sacrificial anode as part of a complete hot water system service. The anode helps protect the inside of the tank from corrosion.
Please note: The quoted cleaning price is subject to the system’s location, accessibility, size and condition. Cleaning cannot be guaranteed to completely resolve kettling, and additional repairs may be required if existing faults or damage are discovered.
OPTION 2: REPLACE THE HOT WATER SYSTEM
If the system is older, heavily affected by sediment or showing signs of deterioration, replacement is often the more reliable and cost-effective long-term option.
A new system can provide:
Quieter operation
More efficient water heating
Improved reliability
Better hot water recovery
New manufacturer warranty coverage
Reduced risk of an unexpected tank failure
[View our gas storage hot water system replacement options]
[View our electric storage hot water system replacement options]
WHAT CAUSES KETTLING?
Over time, sediment and mineral deposits can accumulate at the bottom of the storage tank. When the burner or electric element heats the water, small amounts of water can become trapped beneath this layer of sediment. As the trapped water heats, it forms steam bubbles that force their way through the sediment. This can create popping, bubbling, rumbling or banging noises from inside the tank.
Sediment buildup can also interfere with the even transfer of heat, potentially causing:
Longer heating times
Increased energy consumption
Reduced hot water capacity
Additional strain on the tank and its components
Premature failure of the hot water system
The louder or more frequent the noise becomes, the more important it is to have the system inspected.
CALL US TO ARRANGE AN ASSESSMENT
CAN KETTLING BE PREVENTED?
While sediment and mineral buildup cannot always be prevented completely, water-treatment equipment may help reduce the amount entering or forming inside your hot water system.
WHOLE-HOUSE MAINS WATER FILTRATION
A mains-pressure filtration system can help remove sediment, dirt and other particles from the water before they enter your home’s plumbing and hot water system.
SUPPLIED AND INSTALLED FROM $950.00
A sediment filter does not remove all dissolved minerals, so the right filtration system will depend on your water quality and the type of buildup present.
WATER SOFTENER
A water softener helps reduce hardness minerals that contribute to scale buildup inside hot water systems, fixtures and appliances.
SUPPLIED AND INSTALLED FROM $3,500.00
The correct solution will depend on the property, available space, water usage and incoming water quality. Please call us to discuss the most suitable option for your home.
IS YOUR HOT WATER SYSTEM MAKING NOISE?
Ignoring kettling can allow the buildup—and the strain it places on the system—to worsen. Our team can inspect your hot water system, assess its age and condition, and explain whether cleaning, servicing or replacement is the most sensible option. All pricing is indicative and subject to inspection, accessibility and the condition of the existing plumbing and hot water system. Any additional repairs or work required will be discussed before proceeding.