If you’ve recently noticed a strange water heater boiling noise in Alachua, you’re right to be concerned. This isn’t just an annoying sound—it could be a sign that your system needs immediate attention.
Homeowners in the surrounding areas often ask us what causes these unsettling sounds, and more importantly, what they should do about it. Here’s what you need to know about this common issue, why it happens, and how our team can help.
What Does a Boiling Noise Actually Mean?
When your water heater starts making a bubbling, popping, or boiling sound, it’s usually due to sediment buildup at the bottom of the tank. Over time, minerals from hard water, such as calcium and magnesium, settle and harden inside your tank.
When your system heats water, the heat gets trapped beneath this layer of sediment, causing the water to overheat and boil underneath. This effect can create steam bubbles that burst through the sediment layer, mimicking the sound of a boiling pot on the stove.
Why It’s a Problem You Shouldn’t Ignore
Ignoring a boiling noise can lead to serious consequences, including:
- Reduced efficiency: Sediment buildup forces your water heater to work harder to heat water, using more energy and increasing your utility bills.
- Increased wear and tear: The longer your system runs inefficiently, the more stress it places on components like the heating element and tank lining.
- Shortened lifespan: What could have been a simple maintenance issue can ultimately reduce the lifespan of your unit.
- Possible safety risks: In extreme cases, excessive overheating could cause pressure to build up, which is why every unit is equipped with a pressure relief valve. If this valve fails, it could pose a hazard.
If you’re hearing a water heater boiling noise, it’s best to have a licensed technician inspect your system right away.
What You Can Do: Schedule a Professional Tune-Up
At Affinity Gas Services, we specialize in water heater maintenance and repair for homeowners in Alachua. If your system is making boiling or popping noises, we’ll perform a full inspection to:
- Flush the tank: Removing sediment buildup is usually the first step in solving the problem.
- Check the heating element: Mineral scaling can damage or cover the element, reducing efficiency.
- Inspect the pressure relief valve: We ensure it’s functioning properly to keep your system safe.
- Evaluate system age: If your water heater is 10 to 15 years old, it may be time to consider replacement options.
How to Prevent Boiling Noises in the Future
Once your system is back in shape, the best way to prevent future issues is with routine maintenance. We recommend:
- Annual tank flushing: Especially important in areas like Alachua where hard water is common.
- Water softener installation: Reducing mineral content in your water can minimize sediment buildup.
- Professional inspections: A yearly checkup can catch problems early before they affect performance.
Don’t wait until the problem gets worse. Let our experienced team handle it quickly and safely. We’ll help restore your peace of mind—and quiet down that noisy water heater.
Contact Affinity Gas Services today to schedule an appointment for water heater service in Alachua, FL with our professionals. We’re “The Gas Efficiency Experts.”