“Crackling”, “Gurgling”, or “Popping” Noises from a New Water Heater?

Nov 2, 2022 | Heating Systems, Plumbing

Original Article published on October 20th, 2015. 

In a few isolated parts of the United States (like Oregon) where the water supply has a relatively high pH (8+), water conditions will react with the aluminum anode to form excessive amounts of aluminum hydroxide on the anode and in the bottom of the tank.  Aluminum hydroxide looks like “jelly beads” or a green, blue or gray gel-like substance in the heater drain or at faucet aerators.

This can cause your new water to make gurgling noises, popping noises or even crackling noises.

Below, we provide a step-by-step guide on how to remove Aluminum hydroxide from new Water Heaters, however, the fix should only be performed by someone with abilities equal to a licensed tradesman.

If you live in Oregon and have an issue with your new water heater, give us a call at (503) 362-3643 or contact us to schedule an appointment.

Water Heater

How to remove Aluminum hydroxide from new Water Heaters. (Use one of the methods below)

If the tank is new with no lime build-up to any degree:

  1. Turn off the heater
  2. Remove the anode
  3. Flush the tank thoroughly with water
  4. Replace the aluminum anode (identifiable by a smooth surface on the plug) with a magnesium anode (identifiable by the weld bead on the plug)

If the tank is new with lime build-up to any degree:

  1. Turn off the heater
  2. Drain the heater
  3. Remove the anode
  4. Add UN-LIME to the tank
    • 20-40 gallon models (use 3 gallons of UN-LIME)
    • 41-65 gallon models (use 5 gallons of UN-LIME)
    • 66-100 gallon models (use 7 gallons of UN-LIME)
    • On electric models, be certain the lower element is immersed in solution
  5. Heat the UN-LIME to a temperature between 140°F to 160°F
    * GAS – Heat for 7 to 10 minutes
    * ELECTRIC – Power off and remove the yellow wire from terminal 2 on the upper thermostat.  Move the red wire from terminal 4 of the upper thermostat to terminal 2 of the upper thermostat.  This allows the operation of the lower element only.  Restore power to the heater.  Be certain that only the lower element is operating.  Heat for 7 to 10 minutes.
  6. Shut off the water heater
  7. Allow the heater UN-LIME to stand for up to 12 minutes
  8. Drain and flush the tank.  Caution:  UN-LIME will still be hot
  9. Replace the original aluminum anode with a magnesium anode
  10. Fill the system with water
  11. On electric models, return the wiring to its original configuration
  12. Turn heater fuel “ON”

NOTE: Since aluminum hydroxide is a product of a chemical reaction dependent on the water condition, any treatment is not considered warranty-related.

SOURCE:  Technical Bulletin #14