I had a new electric 50 gallon water heater (Bradford White RE350T6) installed a few months ago. It makes a "refilling" noise for about 2-3 minutes after anytime hot water is used. This can be heard near any plumbing location throughout the house. The water heater itself is in the basement. It is not leaking anywhere. Plumber said that it was fine. Noise was coming from the check valve... That didn't sound right to me. So, I thought I'd ask here for another opinion. Noise is difficult to isolate as it can be heard in the tank, pipes, etc. It doesn't seem louder near the check valve (on cold water supply side). If that was the source of the noise, you'd think it would be louder there. Also, I have a temperature test card from the electric utility. My hot water doesn't even register on the card (below 120 degrees). Put a temp probe in and it read 112 degrees. Any thoughts?
New Water Heater Noise
- Thread starter Snarf
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Not looking to fix this myself. Paid a ton of money for this new WH. So, I'll have the plumber come back to fix if necessary. I just want to know if what he said about the check valve seems likely or if I should push them to fix a deeper problem.
A pressure gauge will cost under $20 --often well under. If the pressure is rising to over 100 psi, you will need a thermal expansion tank.
The reason I am thinking along the lines of a thermal expansion tank is the timing of your sounds after you stop using hot water. A nearly free alternative test is to dribble a tiny amount of cold water, maybe from the kitchen or lavatory faucet, when you have the noise. If dribbling that water makes the sound go away or prevents it, you will need a thermal expansion tank. The plumber will charge for that.
The reason I am thinking along the lines of a thermal expansion tank is the timing of your sounds after you stop using hot water. A nearly free alternative test is to dribble a tiny amount of cold water, maybe from the kitchen or lavatory faucet, when you have the noise. If dribbling that water makes the sound go away or prevents it, you will need a thermal expansion tank. The plumber will charge for that.
I expect your plumber is refering to what is usually called a heat trap. They can make noise. http://www.bradfordwhite.com/heat-traps says theirs are quieter.
Many people remove the heat traps.
Many people remove the heat traps.
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