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Photograph of a natural gas regulator on a furnace Gas Regulator Noise Causes & Cures

Buzzing, humming, hissing, & other gas regulator noises

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Gas appliance regulator noises & sounds:

Gas regulator noises may include humming, hissing, and other sounds. While many gas grill and some other appliance manufacturers say a bit of humming at the gas regulator for appliances is normal and harmless, not everyone agrees.

This article series explains LP or Natural Gas Pressure Regulators used on building appliances such as gas fired furnaces, boilers, water heaters, and stoves: How to Inspect & Test LP or Natural Gas Valves Regulators, or Gas Controls at Appliances.

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Gas Appliance or Gas-fired Heater Regulator or Control Noises

Bosh Gas Regulator for a gas cooktop (C) Daniel FriedmanImmediate LP or natural gas safety hazards: if there is evidence of an LP or natural gas leak at a building, gas odors, for example, you should:

Gas regulator noises: while many gas grill and some other appliance manufacturers say a bit of humming at the gas regulator for appliances is normal and harmless, not everyone agrees.

Certainly if there is a gas odor or gas leak, the gas supply should be shut off immediately and you need to call a professional for diagnosis and repair of the trouble. Some experts explain that over time a humming gas regulator may become unsafe; and there are other noises that have other meanings at gas regulators, pipes, and LP gas tanks.

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Reader Question: buzzing noise from the gas regulator at my heater

2016/07/24 Wilycoyote said:

I have a Wayne natural gas burner insert that replaced my oil fired Beckett burner in my furnace. Occasionally there is a buzzing noise that is coming from the combination gas valve.

It is rare, intermittent, and stops after a minute or so, and usually does not reoccur this heat cycle. The flame looks normal and the heater operates normally before/during/after each event.

What is this? Is it dangerous? Does it mean the gas valve is failing?

There is nothing in the troubleshooting manual about this problem.

This question was posted originally

at GAS BURNER FLAME & NOISE DEFECTS

Reply:

Wily:

I'm not expert on gas regulator noises but from reading advice from some appliance manufacturers and from several gas distribution companies I can suggest some regulator noises and their possible causes.

Watch out: But before going through noise sources, make darn sure that any hissing you hear is not a gas leak as a gas leak risks fire and explosion. If you suspect a gas leak shut down the gas supply immediately.

Some propane experts and propane industry websites such as propane101.com state:

An important point to note is that under normal operation, a propane regulator will make a "humming" noise. This is normal and should not be construed as a problem or regulator malfunction.

But as you’ll read below, some experts warn that over time a humming gas regulator that is not leaking and that is deemed “safe” may become unsafe as it may be damaged over time by vibration.

Let’s go through some noises and gas regulator noise sources:

  1. Buzzing due to electrical problems at or near the gas regulator:

    some appliance gas valves use a gas regulator that operates powered by a low-voltage transformer, perhaps at 24VAC. IF there is a loose wire or voltage defect the regulator would be unsafe in my opinion;

    Check for buzzing that is actually coming from a nearby low-voltage transformer. If that's the source, replace the transformer.
  2. Clanking noises at the gas regulator:

    One gas supplier we consulted mentioned a clanking sound in LP tanks traced to a loose gas level float assembly.
  3. Gurgling Humming at the gas regulator - Over-filled LP tank:

    can produce a humming or gurgling sound heard in the gas piping or at the regulator. This is a serious problem as it is sending excess pressure and possibly liquid fuel into an appliance regulator designed only for gas and lower pressure.

    Feeding fuel from an over-filled LP gas tank can also cause regulator damage as liquid LP can slug the regulator. According to some gas suppliers, an over-filled LP gas tank can actually cause abnormally low gas flow through the regulator and thus a reduced appliance gas flame.

    Watch out: DO NOT try to fix an over-fill problem yourself - trying to release excess LP gas can blow the place up or burn it down.
  4. Hissing sounds at the gas regulator


     (not everyone uses the same terms for the same sounds) may be from a gas leak. Sniff for gas - and have your system tested for gas leaks.

    Hissing also occurs through a ventilation hole that releases air from the atmospheric side of the gas regulator - this is normal but it should not be continuous. If you smell gas there is a leak: that would be unsafe - in that case shut off the gas.

    Hissing may also come from gas being released from a safety valve at the gas tank or regulator. That too indicates an unsafe condition.

    Watch out: If you smell gas - there is a gas leak - the system is unsafe; the gas supply should be shut off and then you should call for repair. The risk is fire or explosion.
  5. Humming, buzzing, hissing noise at the gas regulator: Diaphragm noise:

    Most-often humming or buzzing at a gas appliance regulator is traced to the gas regulator diaphragm. Some manufacturers (charbroil.com & napoleongrills.com for example) consider this normal as a function of variations in temperature, barometric pressure, and relative humidity and say ignore it.

    Weber, another gas grill manufacturer says the noise is safe as long as it’s not accompanied by a gas leak (or gas odor indicating a leak). But as you’ll see at the end of my notes, Zafer (2008) warns of possible regulator damage that could be unsafe.

    This is more likely to occur with LP gas systems than with piped-in natural gas systems.

    Try this: slightly close the gas supply valve; that won't change the system pressure but it'll restrict the gas flow slightly. If that makes the buzzing/humming noise stop you're probably seeing a regulator diaphragm. vibration issue.

    Most gas heater/appliance regulators use an internal rubber diaphragm. that might be damaged, perforated, or its spring may be sticking; in those cases the regulator needs repair or replacement.

    Watch out: if you smell gas, for example if gas is leaking through a perforated gas regulator diaphragm, the system is unsafe and should be shut down.
  6. Knocking and pinging sounds at the gas regulator:

    other gas appliance regulator noises include a knocking or pinging sound that can be caused by improper mixing of gas and air at the LP gas tank. If you see yellow or white-blue instead of mostly blue flames with a yellow tip then this may be the trouble. You’ll need to have your LP gas service tech inspect and repair the equipment.
  7. Various noise sources at the gas regulator - Air trapped in gas piping

     or water or rarely ice in the regulator: - that might be from a contaminated fuel source, possibly transient.

    If trapped air is the problem, purging the gas line between appliance regulator and tank ought to correct it.
  8. Various noise sources at the gas regulator - Dirt or debris in the regulator 

    - ultimately that'll probably lead to its replacement

Watch out: Zafer (2008) points out that while humming and vibration at appliance gas regulators is a common problem, it is ultimately unsafe because the vibration in the regulator leads to component fatigue damage and regulator failure “if left unchecked”.

A nauseating amount of information about gas regulators begins at InspectApedia

at GAS REGULATORS & APPLIANCE / HEATER CONTROLS

Question: Diagnose& Fix a Buzzing Noise at a Gas Fired Water Heater

Buzzing noise at gas fired water heater (C) InspectApedia.com RSOur hot water heater is making the sound you hear in the attached video. The sound is intermittent. Do you have any idea what this could be? The water is hot. - Anonymous by private email 2017/01/13

BUZZING GAS FIRED WATER HEATER VIDEO [3MB .mp4 recording]

Reply:

To me that sounds like a buzzing sound right at the heater control or burner. This isn't a high-efficiency water heater, right?

I see what looks like a large black gas supply tube (to the burner) and a smaller diameter aluminum tube presumably feeding a pilot. Is that right?

Could there be a buzzing igniter?

Do you have other gas appliances and are they working normally? That'd reduce the chances of a problem at the gas supply or main gas regulator.

The system may be unsafe.

Also see GAS FLAME & NOISE DEFECTS

and for a more exhaustive list of sources of noises at water heaters see WATER HEATER NOISE.

Reader follow-up: replaced gas heater burner assembly

It was the only device acting up, and we had the burner assembly replaced, so all is good now. Throughout the off and on buzzing period, the unit continued to heat, and my friend, colleague & owner of our business was too distracted to take the action our regular plumber had recommended.

Eventually the buzzing stopped, and so did the heat. The repair cost approx $600, and apparently we had to replace the same burner assembly 2-3 years ago at this laundromat location.

Moderator follow-up comment:

To me that sounds like a failing control, probably an electrical component, or an igniter, though on occasion gas regulators can be noisy too. If a specific failure repeats itself I figure there's some underlying problem that's not yet been identified.

...


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Reader Comments, Questions & Answers About The Article Above

Below you will find questions and answers previously posted on this page at its page bottom reader comment box.

Reader Q&A - also see RECOMMENDED ARTICLES & FAQs

On 2022-04-30 by Inspectapedia Com Moderator - camper regulator is making noise

@Codi,

Check the regulator noise causes above on this page.

Could be related to low temperature?

On 2022-04-30 by Codi

my camper regulator is making noise (whistle)while running appliances but turn them off it stops making noise but the propane is still running

On 2022-03-23 by Inspectapedia Com Moderator

@Pauline Cymet,

Above on this page we list quite a few sources of gas regulator noises.

That list may help you or your service technician track down the noise that's annoying you.

Be sure that you've accurately traced the noise to the gas regulator that you think is its source and that others besides you have confirmed that sound.

In the list of Recommended Articles you'll see an article HUMMING NOISES in BUILDINGS - topic home - that gives other humming noise sources.

You might also ask your service tech. to discuss your concern with the regulator manufacturer.

But I'm sorry to say, beyond that advice, knowing absolutely nothing about your location, installation, equipment, any other guesses I might make about your noise concern would be so speculative as to almost certainly be mistaken.

On 2022-03-23 by Pauline Cymet

Please, I beg you, respond to me. I am on last nerve as so desperate to find solution. You can't hear the hum but it is intermittent, sporadic, but increasing in happening daily...I know something is wrong, but no one can figure out the problem and I am not electrcian, plumber, or technical... help, please!!!!!!

On 2022-02-04 by Inspectapedia Com Moderator - tapping sound requires further investigation

@EDR,

If the noise is definitely coming from your water heater (geyser, calorifier, etc), then please see the diagnostics given at

WATER HEATER NOISE

The Recommended Articles at the end of that page include links to other noise types and sources and their cause and cure, including our noise diagnosis home page

BUILDING NOISE DIAGNOSIS

where we list just about every noise heard in and around buildings and gives links to diagnostic articles by sound type as well as by common sound or noise sources.

That article contains a list of common TAPPING NOISE SOURCES

On 2022-02-04 by EDR

Tapping sound intermittent, coming from behind the wall in my water heater closet, behind the gas valve coming in from the wall. Even when I shut off the gas valve, the tapping continues intermittently and wakes me up in the middle of the night.

Could the problem be at the gas meter outside? Behind that wall or no other pipes besides gas.

On 2021-12-12 by Inspectapedia Com Moderator

@Ramya,

If you're sure that there's no gas leak then one wouldn't expect an immediate danger of fire or explosion,

And it's normal for there to be some noise at a gas regulator, but an unusually loud sound from your regulator May indicate that it's defective or not installed in the proper position.

It's worth a call to your gas company to ask them to take a look.

On 2021-12-12 by Ramya

Gas regulator has been replaced with the new one we can hear a hizzing sound loudly according to the flame raise , and there is no smell at allis this dangerous??

On 2021-12-08 by Inspectapedia Com Moderator

@Anonymous,

Some noise is normal at the LPG regulator but

for other readers

Watch out: **IF** you smell gas when standing near the stove or regulator or LP tank then there is a dangerous leak; if you can safely do so, turn off that gas supply - else get everyone well away from the property and call your local emergency services.

On 2021-12-08 by Anonymous

My lpg regulator also hissing when i open the stove no gas smell but if the stove is close no hissing even the gasul is open. Is that a leakage?

On 2021-09-16 by inspectapedia.com.moderator

@Noel C Soares,

"because of pressure" is a bit open-ended of a question; all fuel gas systems use some pressure to deliver fuel.

But above on this page we list at least eight causes of noises at the gas regulator. Do take a look. Let me know if that leaves you with more questions.

On 2021-09-16 by Noel C Soares

Does the cooking cylinder makes noise because of pressure

On 2020-11-02 by danjoefriedman (mod) - improper lighting issue indicates a dangerous gas condition

Robert:

To be safe you should turn OFF the gas supply immediately.

It's not just an improper lighting issue it's that gas, particularly LP, can accumulate, even outdoors, and then blow you to kingdom come when there is any source of ignition: a spark, or even a cellphone.

The lighting difficulty, after you or your plumber find and fix the gas leak, could be a bad igniter or even something as simple as a grease-clogged burner. I find that at one of our really old gas BBQs it is exciting to turn on because it keeps sparking while gas accumulates to a too-big cloud, then igniting with a dangerous bang. Our old BBQ needs repair or to be trashed.

On 2020-11-02 by Robert Larter

I have a natural gas barbecue which the hook up is mounted on the wall.....The regulator has a new constant hiss and now I and my neighbor can smell gas. Will this slight leak stop the barbecue from lighting sometimes as sometimes it goes and sometimes it doesn't. I barbecue a lot and the regulator is about 10-12 years old now and the gas coming from the house to the barbecue is suddenly erratic as you can usually hear the gas when you're lighting.

Thank you

On 2020-07-06 - by (mod) - Broil King barbecue keeps spitting after gas is turned off.

Cooling down of metal, of drips, not likely to be a gas leak as long as the fuel is off right at the tank.

Sometimes I see a bit of leftover gas in the gas line and burner that will "spit" and flame when the barbecue is first turned off, but never for more than a few seconds.

On 2020-07-06 by Kathy Bedard

Our 3 year old Broil King was turned off after barbecuing tonite and the propane is turned off but the barbecue is making a regular 'spitting ' noise. A bit faster than a ticking clock. What could this be?

On 2020-06-25 - by (mod) -

Smriti

Thank you for asking an interesting question. I apologize but I don't dare pronounce your system is safe based on an e text.

On 2020-06-22 by Smriti Adhikari

My gas cylinder was leaking so I changed the rubber , turns out that the rubber was broken so it was leaking . Now the smell doesn't come and the noise is also stopped but when I turn on the stove there is a gurgling type of rythmic noise still there is no smell of gas though . Is it safe ???

On 2020-05-13 - by (mod) -

Bobby

I cannot diagnose the problem from your email,

But

Watch out, if there is a gas leak a fire or explosion, very dangerous, is at risk. Leave the gas off and from a safe location call for repair

On 2020-05-12 by Bobby

I hear hissing from my regulator. Checked for leaks but don’t see any and my ignition also pops when I turn it on. However, the flame does light and no smell of gas. I am waiting on a replacement regulator but is it safe to use in the meantime? Again, no gas smell but hissing and all ignition pop. Flame is fine. Thank you

On 2019-12-22 by Richard F.

I have a two-stage propane regulator that is about ten years old. It has started making a very faint “knocking” sound every few seconds when my (thermocouple-regulated) Rinnai Bantam propane heater turns itself on when the temperature cycles too low. When the heater’s thermocouple gets warm enough, the heater turns the burners off and the regulator stops “knocking.”

Thus, it is clearly the flow of propane through the regulator that is causing the noise. There is no smell of propane, and the heater seems to be working just, as it has for years, with a clean, blue pilot light. Your thoughts? Thank you!

On 2019-12-01 - by (mod) -

Rick

I cannot tell from your question if the noise your hearing is mechanical such as a loose fan or motor mount or whether it is a noise at the burner flame itself. The ladder is likely to be more immediately and seriously dangerous and would mean that you should shut the system off and call for prompt repair.

The concern is that incomplete or improper combustion can lead to the presence of unburned fuel and even a fuel explosion. Obviously I can't know exactly what's going on at your system but we need to err on the side of safety.

On 2019-12-01 by rick

Bryant furnace,very noisy as soon as flame comes on till end of flame

On 2018-11-30 - by (mod) -

With apologies that I can't access your system by text and don't have an idea what's happening I have to give the advice to be safe by turning the gas supply off to the heater.

On 2018-11-29 by ragini rajashekar

when I keep regulator to the domestic cyclinder the sound is coming like air blast is it dangerous

On 2018-11-18 - by (mod) -

Look and listen again.

More likely the noise is due to scale in your water heater

On 2018-11-16 by T Taylor

When the hot water heater burner is on here banging in the gas line

On 2018-02-03 - by (mod) - beware of RV furnace backfiring

Bias

That sounds like a combustion or air supply or chimney problem but I can only guess as we have not a shred of information about your heater.

It is potentially dangerous. To be safest, I would turn the system off and call for emergency repair.

On 2018-02-02 by Bias

The furnace in my rv just started backfiring and humming/whistling noise what could this be?

On 2018-01-18 - by (mod) - propane heater is making a hissing sound

Anon

The heater may be unsafe if there is a gas leak - in which case I would turn off the gas supply immediately and ventilate the home. (You'd smell gas). The risk is a fire or explosion.

If the hissing is a heating boiler (hot water heat) that's hissing as water is heated, the heater may be suffering a scale deposit problem. Call your heating service tech to have scale removed if that's the problem, or to help you diagnose a problem for which, sorry to say, with so little information I can only make wild guesses.

On 2018-01-18 by Anonymous

My wall mounted propane heater started making a hissing sound but is otherwise working fine. What could be the problem and is it unsafe?


...

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