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Hot Water Tank Sounds Like its a Boiling Tea Kettle

randyk9 | Posted in General Questions on

We just moved from Buffalo, NY to Tucson, AZ. This is my third home. I’ve done significant maintenance on my hot water tanks in the past. Have never heard one boil like this. Should I be concerned? It the water level too low? Is this an Arizona thing? During a shower or even just washing dishes it starts to boil: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/mqpdN1nfTpw

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  1. Expert Member
    BILL WICHERS | | #1

    I hear a normal-sounding burner, but I also hear that "bubbly boiling" kind of sound too. I would try draining the water heater, there might be gunk built up inside. To do this, shut off the gas to the burner, shut off BOTH water lines connected to the unit, then use the drain cock at the bottom with a hose to drain the unit into a floor drain. Drain it completely, and keep an eye on what comes out. If you see lots of sediment, you might have to replace the unit soon if it's rusting out. I'd also check the anode rod.

    Once the unit has fully drained, close the drain cock, disconnect the hose, and open the two water lines. Go run some hot water faucets until all the air is bled out and only water runs. At that time, you can restart the burner. The restart procedure is usually described on a label on the side of the water heater.

    See if that solves the bubbly/boiling noise issue.

    Bill

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