Kenmore water heater makes popping or rumbling noises during heating

Safety: Turn OFF power or gas and allow water to cool before flushing.

• Flush tank: Connect a garden hose to the drain valve and run it to a floor drain. Open the drain valve and a nearby hot faucet. Briefly open the cold supply to stir sediment and flush until water runs clear.
• Repeat if needed: For severe buildup, you may need multiple flush cycles.
• Inspect anode and elements: On older Kenmore units, consider removing the lower element to inspect for heavy scale and replacing the heating element if heavily coated.
• Install sediment filter: In hard water areas, consider a whole-house filter or softener and schedule annual flushing.