Gunny's Plumbing is reminding Randolph County homeowners that popping, rumbling, and rusty water from the tank are signs of trouble worth checking before winter.
Randolph COunty, NC (PRUnderground) October 22nd, 2026
Halloween is the season for strange noises in the dark. But Gunny's Plumbing of Trinity says one of the scariest sounds in a house has nothing to do with ghosts. It's the popping, banging, or rumbling coming from the water heater in the garage, closet, or basement. The family-owned plumbing company is using the holiday to remind homeowners in Trinity, Archdale, Randleman, and Asheboro that a noisy water heater is usually trying to tell them something.
Most of those sounds come from sediment. Minerals in the water settle at the bottom of the tank over time and harden into a layer that traps water underneath. When the burner or heating element kicks on, that trapped water boils and pops. The buildup tends to be worse in homes on private wells, which are common across Randolph County. Over time it makes the heater work harder, raises energy bills, and wears out the tank early.
"People hear their water heater knocking and figure it's just an old house making old house sounds," said Caleb, owner of Gunny's Plumbing. "Sometimes it's an easy fix like flushing the tank. Sometimes it's a sign the heater is on its last legs. Either way, it's a lot better to find out on a Tuesday afternoon than when you're standing in a cold shower or a wet garage."
Other warning signs to watch for include rusty or cloudy hot water, a metallic taste or smell, moisture or rust around the base of the tank, and hot water that runs out faster than it used to. Most tank water heaters last about 8 to 12 years. Homeowners can find the age of theirs on the manufacturer's label, usually printed on the side of the tank. Gunny's Plumbing recommends flushing the tank about once a year to slow sediment buildup. Homes with hard or well water may also benefit from a filtration or softening system that keeps minerals out of the tank in the first place.
Gunny's Plumbing serves homeowners and businesses throughout Trinity, Archdale, Randleman, Asheboro, and the surrounding Randolph County area. To schedule a water heater inspection, call (336) 242-3136 or book online at gunnysplumbing.com.
