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Troubleshooting a Tank Type Water Heater

By Bob Formisano, About.com

7 of 8

PROBLEM: Higher Pitched Whining (electric water heater)


Higher Pitched Whining (electric water heater)

Possible Causes

  • Buildup of scale material on electrical heating elements


Possible Repairs

  • Flush water heater.
  • Clean scale from water heater tank and elements
  • Install low-watt density heating elements which have larger surface areas transferring heat to water more efficiently, conducting less electrical wattage per square inch than a standard high-wattage element.

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