Electric water heater making noises constantly???

[Daniel Smith]

Hello friends,

I'm suffering from migraine from my noisy water heater. Somebody adviced me to try changing the heating element, it's quick, cheap and easy. and its the only thing that does anything in a water heater. But it has no effect.

Here is my case.

My water heater is about 30 year-old and has been making noises non-stop. It is the similar noise that you would hear when the heater is working -- but it is louder. The outside water meter is also constantly running slowly even though no water has been obviously used through faucets, toilets, etc.

Thanks for any other possible help.
- Daniel Smith

[HayZee518]

the fiberglass insulation is besides a thermal barrier to heat, a sound proofing barrier. the elements either screw into or bolt on a flange at the top and bottom of the tank. the thermostats are more/less silent in operation. is your inlet and outlet water lines isolated with a dielectric union(s)? you may have a leak in the toilet ballcock or an outside faucet.