As with any home appliance, a water heater can sometimes make odd noises that leave the homeowner puzzled and even alarmed about what the cause might be. Beeping is just one of those many noises and might be set off by a variety of problems, depending on the model you have.
Following are some common reasons for beeping water heaters.
- Leaks. A water heater may sound a beep to warn that there is a water leak. Leaks may be obvious if the floor is wet near the water heater, but the leak might also be somewhere along the line. The beeping may be initiated by a water heater shutoff feature, a flood prevention device. Beeping may also signal a gas leak.
- Low Fuel. Some propane-fueled water heaters emit a beep when they are low on fuel.
- Overheating. Some models will beep when the water overheats, perhaps due to malfunctioning elements. Turn the thermostat down and see if this stops the beeping.
- Unit Shuts Off. If the water heater shuts off after beeping, look up the error code (if there’s a digital readout) in your manual or on the manufacturer’s website to determine what it means.
- Leaking Evaporator Coil. A leaking evaporator coil can set off a beep on some electric water heaters. This will lead to loss of refrigerant, a frozen evaporator coil and ultimately, a failed compressor if the unit is not turned off and repaired. Some water heaters might beep because they interpret the frozen evaporator coil as a “clean filter” signal.
- High Pressure. Sometimes water pressure will vary between high and low as it flows into a home. High pressure is not only bad for pipes, but also for the water heater. Some water heaters will beep to signal the pressure is too high.
Whenever beeping occurs, consult your manual or look at the manufacturer’s site to try to determine the cause, but also follow up with an inspection by a licensed plumber.
To learn more about beeps and other noises from your water heater, contact Reliance Home Services. We’ve served Greater Los Angeles since 1960.
