Have you neglected your water heater and now fear that it might explode? Well, water heater explosions are extremely rare but they do happen. By failing to maintain your gas or electric water heater, you could be putting yourself and your family at risk.
No one wants to be responsible for the explosion of a water heater. Below you will find a full guide on how to identify if your water heater is about to explode and how to prevent it.
We also discuss whether a water heater explosion can kill you and why you should take care of your water heater.
Let’s get into it!
Can A Water Heater Explosion Kill You?
Water heater explosions are extremely rare, however, they do happen and they can be deadly. From gas leaks to poor electrical installations, there are various reasons as to why a water heater may explode. We’ll discuss those later.
Due to the consequences of a water heater bursting, it is important to take care of the heater.
Draining it regularly, flushing out the system, and giving the inside a clean to remove any sediment buildup will help prolong the life of your water heater and keep you and your family safe.
If you fear that your water heater is going to explode, phone a plumber immediately to complete an inspection and solve the problem.
5 Signs Your Water Heater Is Going To Explode
As mentioned above, there are various signs that your water heater is going to explode. We discuss what they are:
1. Smell Of Rotten Eggs
This may not be the most pleasant sign but it is the most recognized. This indicates that there is a gas leak in your water heater setup.
Poor installation, broken gas lines, and other system flaws can all lead to gas leaks. A catastrophic explosion and fire could result from the gas being ignited by the water heater’s pilot light.
If you do smell any foul odor coming from your water heater, call a plumbing service immediately and remove all persons from the building. Be sure to turn off the gas to prevent a fire
2. Popping Noise
Another common signal that your water heater is going to explode is hearing a popping or knocking noise.
Most people relate this noise to sounding like a popcorn machine. However, you won’t end up with any delicious snacks once it stops.
Sediment from the water supply builds up at the bottom of the water heater when tanks are not regularly maintained and flushing is not done.
Temperatures rise as a result of the heating components’ inability to heat the water supply properly because thick layers of silt act as insulation between the water and heating equipment.
Water trapped underneath the sediment that is forced up against the heating element boils, causing popping.
The possibility of overheating relating to the conditions described above is indicated by a popping sound, which denotes the presence of silt.
Sediment can block the T&P valve, preventing it from opening when necessary to release high pressure and temperature circumstances, increasing the chance of T&P valve malfunction, and raising the danger that your water heater will combust.
3. Brown Water
Ever tried to pour yourself a glass of refreshing water from the tap or draw the kids a soothing bath and the water is murky and brown? This is another sign that there is something wrong with your water heater.
When rust is present, hot water from domestic faucets may also appear brown, indicating that the water heater’s tank or one of its components has corroded and is in danger of failing. A hot water heater’s potential explosion is indicated by sediment and its symptoms.
Inside the hot water heater tank, the Temperature & Pressure valve controls pressure and temperature.
When this valve leaks, it means the part is unable to withstand the pressure inside the tank. Water heater explosions are frequently caused by issues with the T&P valve.
Complete regular checks of the Temperature & Pressure Relief Valve to avoid any damage. A professional should be called if there are any issues with the T&P Relief Valve.
5. T&P Valve Is Always Open
If operating as intended, the T&P valve opens when the internal pressure reaches a predetermined set point to release thermal expansion, which reduces pressure.
Additionally, when the water temperature exceeds the specified point, the valve opens, allowing cool water to mingle with the hot water in the tank and lower the water temperature.
When the valve is working properly, it will close once the issue has been resolved.
If the T&P valve is consistently left open, there may be problems with the water’s temperature and internal pressure. Consequently, if the valve fails, it might result in an explosion.
Tips To Avoid Your Water Heater Exploding
As we want to avoid a water heater exploding as much as possible, below are some tips to help avoid that:
Make sure the pressure release valve on your heater is working properly and replace it if necessary.
Ensure that your heater is always set between 120 and 125 degrees. Anything higher generates more internal heat and spews out hot water.
Make sure to service and clean out your heater once a year.
Water heaters are easy to forget about. But doing so can be fatal. Taking the time to care for your water heater but draining and flushing it can help you avoid expensive problems and explosions.
Above are common signs that there is something wrong with your water heater and if it is not addressed, it could lead to a fatal explosion.
We have also included tips to help prevent your water heater from exploding. However, if you smell gas or rotten eggs, turn off the gas immediately, remove any persons from the home, and call a plumbing service.
Hi everyone! My name is Jason, and I am the founder of HeaterWise.com. Having run my own business as a Heating Engineer for 21 years, I have picked up a few things along the way.
I wanted to create Heater Wise as a place where anyone could come, from far and wide, to find the information that they need.
I hope you will join us here at Heater Wise, to get started on your own journey, to expand your knowledge, and make the best heating choices for you and your family.
