State water heater: rumbling, popping, or banging noises during heating.

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

• Flush tank: Connect a hose to the drain valve and flush until water runs clear. For severe buildup, multiple flushes may be needed.
• Descale elements (electric): Remove and inspect elements. Clean or replace if heavily scaled.
• Install softening: In hard water areas, consider a water softener or regular maintenance schedule.