noise from battery

Hi - I'm using a 12volt 4.5 amp hr. lead acid battery for my setup. I've discharged it completely before a few times, but now that I've done it it's making a funny "squeaking noise," and I can hear bubbling inside. I'm writing to make sure that this is normal.
Thanks.

What are you charging it with, and have you checked the water level in it.

Hi Sunking - I haven't checked the water in it - it's a pretty tightly sealed unit. It's stopped bubbling now, so I'm thinking it's OK. The squeaking is what threw me off.

I charge it with a 30 watt PV panel

I charge it with a 30 watt PV panel

Do you have the panel connected directly to your battery?

Dennis

Hi - I'm using a 12volt 4.5 amp hr. lead acid battery for my setup. I've discharged it completely before a few times, but now that I've done it it's making a funny "squeaking noise," and I can hear bubbling inside. I'm writing to make sure that this is normal.
Thanks.

If the battery has a "screw off cap" you are OK, and just need to be sure to add distilled water.

If the battery appears pretty well sealed, and says AGM or GEL on it, you have been boiling it, and the squeak is gas (used to be water that's been electrolyzed into H & O2) leaving via the relief valve. That's BAD when it happens. Generally, you begin to loose capacity, as electrolyte is boiled away.

Thanks for your comments - I'm connect my battery to my panel via a low-budget charge controller. The battery itself is pretty well sealed. Mike - besides losing capacity, do you think there are any health or safety risks associated with this leak?

....besides losing capacity, do you think there are any health or safety risks associated with this leak?

With just a single battery, I doubt you could generate enough hydrogen to cause an explosive hazard. Sealed batteries are either gel or agm, and they don't "spill" acid if broken open. Just don't eat the goo inside!