Comments on: Water Heater Repairs and Basic Maintenance http://www.handyguyspodcast.com/76/episode-13-the-cold-water-heater/ The Handyguys are two avid DIYers sharing their experiences working around the house. Our weekly video and audio podcasts feature answers to your questions, head-to-head tool tests and other DIY and home improvement topics. If you have a question regarding your home, let us know using the contact tab on our site or call us at (818) 804-8665. We respond to all questions and may use your question on-the-air in a future broadcast. We look forward to answering your questions and helping you around the home! Fri, 18 May 2012 19:38:10 +0000 hourly 1 By: Kristine http://www.handyguyspodcast.com/76/episode-13-the-cold-water-heater/#comment-24374 Kristine Wed, 18 Apr 2012 20:35:09 +0000 http://www.handyguyspodcast.com/76/episode-13-the-cold-water-heater#comment-24374 These comments should have been listed in the above comments, but for some reason they didn't show up. The response from the manufacturer was this... "Based on the information provided that it sounded like the brackets that hold the burner in place during shipping is causing the noise, the brackets cannot be removed, but the spring inside the brackets can loosened to help with the noise." These comments should have been listed in the above comments, but for some reason they didn’t show up. The response from the manufacturer was this…

“Based on the information provided that it sounded like the brackets that hold the burner in place during shipping is causing the noise, the brackets cannot be removed, but the spring inside the brackets can loosened to help with the noise.”

]]> By: Kristine http://www.handyguyspodcast.com/76/episode-13-the-cold-water-heater/#comment-24373 Kristine Wed, 18 Apr 2012 20:29:37 +0000 http://www.handyguyspodcast.com/76/episode-13-the-cold-water-heater#comment-24373 I talked to the manufacturer and it sounds like a common problem with their water heaters - A.O. Smith. Their response is below. <> When I asked if this was something I could do myself, their response was...."It is not, the burner has to be removed to access the brackets and the spring. " If the burner has to be removed, does that mean I have to drain my water heater or at least shut it down? If there's one thing I've learned since installing my water heater, it's that the warranty really doesn't cover anything besides the parts, so it's basically useless. If I call a service company to come fix this issue (that is obviously a design problem that A.O. Smith should be handling), it will cost me another $200 if not more. So much for this being a quality product. I talked to the manufacturer and it sounds like a common problem with their water heaters – A.O. Smith. Their response is below.

<>

When I asked if this was something I could do myself, their response was….”It is not, the burner has to be removed to access the brackets and the spring. ” If the burner has to be removed, does that mean I have to drain my water heater or at least shut it down?

If there’s one thing I’ve learned since installing my water heater, it’s that the warranty really doesn’t cover anything besides the parts, so it’s basically useless. If I call a service company to come fix this issue (that is obviously a design problem that A.O. Smith should be handling), it will cost me another $200 if not more. So much for this being a quality product.

]]> By: The Handyguys http://www.handyguyspodcast.com/76/episode-13-the-cold-water-heater/#comment-24372 The Handyguys Wed, 18 Apr 2012 19:05:07 +0000 http://www.handyguyspodcast.com/76/episode-13-the-cold-water-heater#comment-24372 Hmmm, could be several things I would suspect a bad washer. Does it only happen with one faucet or shower? Washers can get worn and loose and vibrate or pulsate causing the water to pulse and surge causing a pipe to vibrate. Hmmm, could be several things

I would suspect a bad washer. Does it only happen with one faucet or shower? Washers can get worn and loose and vibrate or pulsate causing the water to pulse and surge causing a pipe to vibrate.

]]> By: Jennifer http://www.handyguyspodcast.com/76/episode-13-the-cold-water-heater/#comment-24371 Jennifer Wed, 18 Apr 2012 18:39:16 +0000 http://www.handyguyspodcast.com/76/episode-13-the-cold-water-heater#comment-24371 Hi, I have a GE water heater and this morning we heard a very loud vibrating noise coming from the water pipe in the wall that leads to the tank. What is this? It sounds like a helicopter in our house. Hi, I have a GE water heater and this morning we heard a very loud vibrating noise coming from the water pipe in the wall that leads to the tank. What is this? It sounds like a helicopter in our house.

]]> By: The Handyguys http://www.handyguyspodcast.com/76/episode-13-the-cold-water-heater/#comment-24361 The Handyguys Tue, 03 Apr 2012 14:17:54 +0000 http://www.handyguyspodcast.com/76/episode-13-the-cold-water-heater#comment-24361 Kristine - I'm not sure what you mean about re-lighting the tank over and over again. There should be a pilot light or an electronic igniter that does its thing automatically. Once the burner ignites it begins heating the water. This happens automatically based on a thermostat. When the water cools the burner comes on, it goes off when the water reaches the set temp. When metal gets warm it expands, when it cools it contracts. When you take a shower, run a dishwasher or otherwise draw hot water, the pipes that were cold now become warm and they expand a bit. Sometimes you can hear this expansion. It can be sudden all at once sounding or it can be a more subtle sound. The sound it makes will depend on what the pipe is touching as it expands or contracts. Sometimes it sounds like the sound that crumpling aluminum foil makes. Sometimes it sounds like the sound tapping a screwdriver to a pipe would make. It would be really cool if you could make a recording of the sound and email it to us. We could play it on the show. Is this a new sound? Did it make it with the old water heater? Is the sound inside, underneath or above the water heater? Is the sound near the water heater but not from any part of the water heater? Kristine – I’m not sure what you mean about re-lighting the tank over and over again. There should be a pilot light or an electronic igniter that does its thing automatically.

Once the burner ignites it begins heating the water. This happens automatically based on a thermostat. When the water cools the burner comes on, it goes off when the water reaches the set temp.

When metal gets warm it expands, when it cools it contracts. When you take a shower, run a dishwasher or otherwise draw hot water, the pipes that were cold now become warm and they expand a bit. Sometimes you can hear this expansion. It can be sudden all at once sounding or it can be a more subtle sound. The sound it makes will depend on what the pipe is touching as it expands or contracts. Sometimes it sounds like the sound that crumpling aluminum foil makes. Sometimes it sounds like the sound tapping a screwdriver to a pipe would make.

It would be really cool if you could make a recording of the sound and email it to us. We could play it on the show.

Is this a new sound? Did it make it with the old water heater? Is the sound inside, underneath or above the water heater? Is the sound near the water heater but not from any part of the water heater?

]]> By: Kristine http://www.handyguyspodcast.com/76/episode-13-the-cold-water-heater/#comment-24360 Kristine Mon, 02 Apr 2012 18:30:01 +0000 http://www.handyguyspodcast.com/76/episode-13-the-cold-water-heater#comment-24360 Thanks for the response! I can't tell where the sound is coming from, but it only happens after the heater has been sitting for awhile. If you relight the tank over and over again, you won't hear the noise. If it is the metal expanding, will the sound ever go away? It's a very creepy sound. I also received a call from the guy who installed it saying he talked to the manufacturer about it. They supposedly claim they know of this problem and will send a technician out to fix it. Something about a piece being in the way, which causes it to make the noise. It's been a week since he told me they would call and nothing so far, so I think he's just making up stuff at this point. Thanks for the response! I can’t tell where the sound is coming from, but it only happens after the heater has been sitting for awhile. If you relight the tank over and over again, you won’t hear the noise. If it is the metal expanding, will the sound ever go away? It’s a very creepy sound. I also received a call from the guy who installed it saying he talked to the manufacturer about it. They supposedly claim they know of this problem and will send a technician out to fix it. Something about a piece being in the way, which causes it to make the noise. It’s been a week since he told me they would call and nothing so far, so I think he’s just making up stuff at this point.

]]> By: The Handyguys http://www.handyguyspodcast.com/76/episode-13-the-cold-water-heater/#comment-24359 The Handyguys Sun, 01 Apr 2012 20:06:00 +0000 http://www.handyguyspodcast.com/76/episode-13-the-cold-water-heater#comment-24359 Yes, its likely caused by the expansion of the pipes as they warm up. See if you can identify roughly where the sound comes from. if its from the pipes or near the top of the tank then that's likely the issue. Yes, its likely caused by the expansion of the pipes as they warm up. See if you can identify roughly where the sound comes from. if its from the pipes or near the top of the tank then that’s likely the issue.

]]> By: KRISTINE http://www.handyguyspodcast.com/76/episode-13-the-cold-water-heater/#comment-24358 KRISTINE Sat, 31 Mar 2012 19:53:15 +0000 http://www.handyguyspodcast.com/76/episode-13-the-cold-water-heater#comment-24358 Hi! I think my problem might be answered above, but thought I better ask anyways. I just had a 40 gallon AO Smith gas water heater installed on my second floor and for the first few weeks it worked great. Actually it still works great, but whenever the pilot light comes on, it makes this loud noise. Sometimes it sounds like a ping and sometimes its a vibration and mostly it's just a loud noise for a few seconds. It only happens when it lites and the hot water starts coming out of the faucet. The guy who installed it said he didn't know what it was, but claims to have talked to the manufacturer and they said its a common problem due to something being the way. They are supposedly going to call me and send a technician out, but when I spoke to them yesterday they said they don't do that. Any ideas on what this noise might be? Hi!

I think my problem might be answered above, but thought I better ask anyways. I just had a 40 gallon AO Smith gas water heater installed on my second floor and for the first few weeks it worked great. Actually it still works great, but whenever the pilot light comes on, it makes this loud noise. Sometimes it sounds like a ping and sometimes its a vibration and mostly it’s just a loud noise for a few seconds. It only happens when it lites and the hot water starts coming out of the faucet. The guy who installed it said he didn’t know what it was, but claims to have talked to the manufacturer and they said its a common problem due to something being the way. They are supposedly going to call me and send a technician out, but when I spoke to them yesterday they said they don’t do that. Any ideas on what this noise might be?

]]> By: The Handyguys http://www.handyguyspodcast.com/76/episode-13-the-cold-water-heater/#comment-18983 The Handyguys Fri, 21 Oct 2011 17:17:10 +0000 http://www.handyguyspodcast.com/76/episode-13-the-cold-water-heater#comment-18983 Righty tighty to shut it off (Clockwise). If it doesnt shut off it will need to be repaired or replaced. You will need to shut off your main supply to do that job. Righty tighty to shut it off (Clockwise). If it doesnt shut off it will need to be repaired or replaced. You will need to shut off your main supply to do that job.

]]> By: Gab http://www.handyguyspodcast.com/76/episode-13-the-cold-water-heater/#comment-18915 Gab Wed, 19 Oct 2011 23:32:49 +0000 http://www.handyguyspodcast.com/76/episode-13-the-cold-water-heater#comment-18915 I was trying to shut off the main valve for water running into the house and turned the knob on the cold water pipe that goes into the water heater. It doesnt matter which way i turn the knob its leaking. What do i do? I was trying to shut off the main valve for water running into the house and turned the knob on the cold water pipe that goes into the water heater. It doesnt matter which way i turn the knob its leaking. What do i do?

]]> By: The Handyguys http://www.handyguyspodcast.com/76/episode-13-the-cold-water-heater/#comment-16808 The Handyguys Mon, 12 Sep 2011 14:56:08 +0000 http://www.handyguyspodcast.com/76/episode-13-the-cold-water-heater#comment-16808 Yes, this is either the anode rods nearing end of life or the heating elements (if its electric). Both are easy to replace. I would first start with the anode rods. An anode rod is a sacrificial rod that dissolves before corrosive water can damage other internal parts to the water heater. See http://www.waterheaterrescue.com/pages/WHRpages/English/Longevity/water-heater-anodes.html If the rod is completely gone and you have an electric water heater you may also need to replace the element(s) (Probably two, one near the top, one near the bottom) http://www.applianceblog.com/mainforums/water-heaters/21931-there-anything-wrong-my-o-smith-heater-2.html Also, while working on the water heater, you should drain the tank to remove sediment from the bottom. Good luck Handyguy Brian Yes, this is either the anode rods nearing end of life or the heating elements (if its electric).

Both are easy to replace. I would first start with the anode rods. An anode rod is a sacrificial rod that dissolves before corrosive water can damage other internal parts to the water heater.
See http://www.waterheaterrescue.com/pages/WHRpages/English/Longevity/water-heater-anodes.html
If the rod is completely gone and you have an electric water heater you may also need to replace the element(s) (Probably two, one near the top, one near the bottom)
http://www.applianceblog.com/mainforums/water-heaters/21931-there-anything-wrong-my-o-smith-heater-2.html

Also, while working on the water heater, you should drain the tank to remove sediment from the bottom.

Good luck
Handyguy Brian

]]> By: Roger http://www.handyguyspodcast.com/76/episode-13-the-cold-water-heater/#comment-16766 Roger Sun, 11 Sep 2011 01:34:00 +0000 http://www.handyguyspodcast.com/76/episode-13-the-cold-water-heater#comment-16766 We have an A.O. Smith water heater 75 gal circa 2000 and have been getting small white crystals caught in our filters. Neighbors do not have this problem and the water company says this is the water heater with the elements dissolving. Also the water in the shower goes cold if someone is using the sink Please advise - is this a safety issue? Roger O'Callaghan We have an A.O. Smith water heater 75 gal circa 2000 and have been getting small white crystals caught in our filters. Neighbors do not have this problem and the water company says this is the water heater with the elements dissolving. Also the water in the shower goes cold if someone is using the sink

Please advise – is this a safety issue?

Roger O’Callaghan

]]> By: The Handyguys http://www.handyguyspodcast.com/76/episode-13-the-cold-water-heater/#comment-14633 The Handyguys Tue, 19 Jul 2011 00:46:51 +0000 http://www.handyguyspodcast.com/76/episode-13-the-cold-water-heater#comment-14633 Well, I assume that no one is complaining they don't have unheated water. As long as they do have cold water then there MUST be a tee fitting splitting the cold from the supply to the water heater. Well, I assume that no one is complaining they don’t have unheated water. As long as they do have cold water then there MUST be a tee fitting splitting the cold from the supply to the water heater.

]]> By: Ted Ramsey http://www.handyguyspodcast.com/76/episode-13-the-cold-water-heater/#comment-14526 Ted Ramsey Sat, 16 Jul 2011 03:01:48 +0000 http://www.handyguyspodcast.com/76/episode-13-the-cold-water-heater#comment-14526 I have a question so stupid that I would be too embarrassed to ask anyone I know face to face. I work a maintenance in a trailer house park in deep south Texas where it never freezes well hardly ever. Anyway I hook up new homes. I hook up only one pipe to the house and that's the one to the water heater. I can not figure out where the cold water comes from if all the water is run through the heater. See I told you it is a really stupid question. Ted I have a question so stupid that I would be too embarrassed to ask anyone I know face to face. I work a maintenance in a trailer house park in deep south Texas where it never freezes well hardly ever. Anyway I hook up new homes. I hook up only one pipe to the house and that’s the one to the water heater. I can not figure out where the cold water comes from if all the water is run through the heater. See I told you it is a really stupid question.
Ted

]]> By: Episode #99 – Water Heaters and Home Networking http://www.handyguyspodcast.com/76/episode-13-the-cold-water-heater/#comment-1100 Episode #99 – Water Heaters and Home Networking Fri, 12 Feb 2010 20:42:44 +0000 http://www.handyguyspodcast.com/76/episode-13-the-cold-water-heater#comment-1100 [...] not expand like that. It seems that there is an important safety element missing from that heater. You can also get more information on water heaters from Episode 13. Sandra, replace the water heater [...] [...] not expand like that. It seems that there is an important safety element missing from that heater. You can also get more information on water heaters from Episode 13. Sandra, replace the water heater [...]

]]> By: The Handyguys http://www.handyguyspodcast.com/76/episode-13-the-cold-water-heater/#comment-1091 The Handyguys Sun, 07 Feb 2010 17:37:26 +0000 http://www.handyguyspodcast.com/76/episode-13-the-cold-water-heater#comment-1091 Sandra - Time for a new water heater. It was caused by too much pressure in the tank. In this post there is a picture of a T&P (temperature and pressure) valve. The valve failed to open or is missing. The pressure could have been caused by excessive heat (bad thermostat) or excessive water pressure in the house. Check out our show where we talk about too much water pressure. http://www.handyguyspodcast.com/902/episode-97-water-pressure-fixing-a-wall-and-a-new-tool Good luck and let us know if you have any further questions. Sandra – Time for a new water heater. It was caused by too much pressure in the tank. In this post there is a picture of a T&P (temperature and pressure) valve. The valve failed to open or is missing. The pressure could have been caused by excessive heat (bad thermostat) or excessive water pressure in the house. Check out our show where we talk about too much water pressure.
http://www.handyguyspodcast.com/902/episode-97-water-pressure-fixing-a-wall-and-a-new-tool

Good luck and let us know if you have any further questions.

]]> By: Sandra http://www.handyguyspodcast.com/76/episode-13-the-cold-water-heater/#comment-1090 Sandra Sun, 07 Feb 2010 15:53:42 +0000 http://www.handyguyspodcast.com/76/episode-13-the-cold-water-heater#comment-1090 My hot water heater bowed at the bottom of the tank and forced the tank upward which caused the pipes to leak. Could you tell me what would cause this? My hot water heater bowed at the bottom of the tank and forced the tank upward which caused the pipes to leak. Could you tell me what would cause this?

]]> By: Handyguys Podcast » Blog Archive » Episode #23 - Trellis plans and listener questions http://www.handyguyspodcast.com/76/episode-13-the-cold-water-heater/#comment-90 Handyguys Podcast » Blog Archive » Episode #23 - Trellis plans and listener questions Thu, 26 Jun 2008 21:00:41 +0000 http://www.handyguyspodcast.com/76/episode-13-the-cold-water-heater#comment-90 [...] Second is a question from Roger about a white gritty substance in his hot water. Listen to the podcast for some suggestions. Its likely time for a new heater for Roger. Roger may find other useful information in our podcast entitled The Cold Water Heater [...] [...] Second is a question from Roger about a white gritty substance in his hot water. Listen to the podcast for some suggestions. Its likely time for a new heater for Roger. Roger may find other useful information in our podcast entitled The Cold Water Heater [...]

]]> By: The Handyguys http://www.handyguyspodcast.com/76/episode-13-the-cold-water-heater/#comment-89 The Handyguys Fri, 13 Jun 2008 20:23:29 +0000 http://www.handyguyspodcast.com/76/episode-13-the-cold-water-heater#comment-89 Thanks for your kind words about our podcast. Pinging of hot water pipes is usually caused when pipes heat a cool they expand and contract. The expansion and contraction will cause a little rubbing where they are attached to joists. Its usually nothing to worry about. Regardless - Its always a good idea to be familiar with the operation of the systems in your house, especially where to turn off the water, electric and gas. The Handyguys Thanks for your kind words about our podcast. Pinging of hot water pipes is usually caused when pipes heat a cool they expand and contract. The expansion and contraction will cause a little rubbing where they are attached to joists. Its usually nothing to worry about. Regardless – Its always a good idea to be familiar with the operation of the systems in your house, especially where to turn off the water, electric and gas.

The Handyguys

]]> By: Gina http://www.handyguyspodcast.com/76/episode-13-the-cold-water-heater/#comment-88 Gina Fri, 13 Jun 2008 17:39:11 +0000 http://www.handyguyspodcast.com/76/episode-13-the-cold-water-heater#comment-88 I heard some strange pinging noises coming from the basement the other day and was afraid it might be the hot water tank. I have visions of it spewing out water (like our old one did) when I'm here by myself and I wont' know what to do. I've read the emergency instructions on the tank...but in an emergency will I know what to do...LOL. Your blog is full of great information and I've subscribed. I heard some strange pinging noises coming from the basement the other day and was afraid it might be the hot water tank.

I have visions of it spewing out water (like our old one did) when I’m here by myself and I wont’ know what to do. I’ve read the emergency instructions on the tank…but in an emergency will I know what to do…LOL.

Your blog is full of great information and I’ve subscribed.

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