The most common reason that you’re hearing popping noises from your water heater is due to increased pressure within your tank. There may be other reasons for the increased pressure, such as a blockage in your home’s water supply lines, but most often it is simply due to sediment buildup within the tank.

You never want to ignore plumbing problems like this because they will inevitably turn into very big problems that cost a lot of money to repair.

If you have increased pressure in your hot water heater, the first thing you should do is have a professional come and take a look at it. They will be able to determine the root cause of the problem and make any necessary repairs.

In most cases, simply flushing out the hot water heater will solve the problem. This involves draining all of the water from the tank and then running a hose through it to remove any sediment that has built up.

If you have a gas hot water heater, you may also need to have the burner assembly cleaned. Again, this is something best left to a professional.

What Is Causing That Popping Noise?

There are a few different things that can cause this pressure to build up, such as a faulty pressure relief valve or a sediment build-up in the bottom of the tank. If you have a hot water heater that is constantly popping, it’s important to have it checked out by a professional to prevent it from exploding.

As the water in your hot water tank heats up, it expands and the volume of water within the tank increases. This increase in pressure can cause the relief valve on your hot water heater to open and release hot water and steam. You’ll typically hear a loud noise when this happens.

If the relief valve is opening too frequently, it could be an indication that the water pressure in your home is too high. If you have a well, it could also be an indication that the pressure switch on your well pump is not working properly.

If you have an older hot water heater, it’s important to have it flushed out every few years to prevent sediment from building up. You can also prevent popping noises by regularly draining water from the tank, especially if you live in an area with hard water.

Is It Normal For A Water Heater To Pop?

The short answer is NO, it’s not normal for a water heater to pop.

If you have a hot water heater that’s constantly making popping sounds, we recommend that you have it serviced as soon as possible. This is not only a sign that something is wrong with your heater, but it can also be dangerous.

Should I Be Concerned If My Hot Water Heater Is Popping?

So, is this something to be worried about? Well, generally yes. Water heaters are usually quiet so anytime you hear a new noise, especially one as loud as popping, it’s cause for concern.

If you’re not sure whether or not the popping noise is cause for concern, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and call a professional. They will be able to take a look at your hot water heater and let you know if there is anything wrong that needs to be fixed.

How Do I Stop My Water Heater From Popping?

What are the steps I need to take to stop my water heater from popping? If your hot water heater is making a popping noise, there are a few things you can do to try and stop it.

  • First, check to see if there is anything blocking the vents on the hot water heater. If there is, remove the obstruction and see if that stops the popping noise.
  • Another thing you can try is to increase the temperature of the hot water heater. This may stop the popping noise by allowing the water to expand more easily.
  • If neither of these things works, then you may need to call a professional to take a look at your hot water heater. They will be able to determine if there is anything wrong that needs to be fixed.

If you’re hearing popping noises and you’re not sure what’s causing them, it’s best to call a professional to take a look. They will be able to diagnose the issue and recommend the best course of action.


If you have any questions about hot water heaters or are having some problems with it, call Atlantis Plumbing today at 770-505-8570. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.