A build-up of pressure in your water heater can, in the best case scenario, eventually lead to leaks.
However, if the pressure is allowed to continue to build, you could end up with an explosion, which is extremely dangerous.
But what causes too much pressure in a hot water heater?
Here are the most common causes, how to spot them, and what you should do if you think the pressure in your water heater is too high.
Why Does Water Pressure Matter In A Hot Water Heater?
Optimal water pressure is important if you want your hot water heater to function properly.
If the pressure is too low, it will restrict water flow where you need it in your home, causing an inconvenience.
However, water pressure being too high in your hot water heater is a more serious issue with potential implications for your safety.
If the pressure in your water heater gets too high, the pipes the water flows through may not be able to withstand it.
This could result in burst pipes, which, in turn, often results in leaks or flooding. This is especially likely if your pipes have any weaknesses or damage already.
Over time, increased water pressure in your hot water tank can lead to your tank getting damaged because high pressure also elevates the temperature of the water, which can be damaging to the inside of the tank.
Eventually, the damage to the tank could mean that pressurized steam can’t be contained in the tank itself, and your water heater could explode, causing a serious safety risk.
Even if your water heater doesn’t get severely damaged or explode, you’re still likely to notice consequences such as higher water bills. That’s because even small leaks from your pipes, that you may not even notice, cause water waste.
Causes Of Too Much Pressure In Hot Water Heater
Here are the main reasons why water pressure might build up in your hot water heater:
Buildup Of Steam
Sometimes, if your water tank’s heat exchanger gets blocked (this can easily happen if sediment is allowed to build up), the steam released by the heated water won’t be released properly.
Therefore, the steam stays inside the tank and builds, causing both the temperature and pressure inside the tank to rise.
This situation is especially likely if your home is not well-ventilated, because this can also lead to pressure levels rising past the optimal level in your water heater.
If this is not fixed, the steam can eventually cause pipes to rupture, resulting in leaks and even flooding, or the tank may explode.
Thermostat Dial
Increased water pressure in your hot water tank could be caused by something as simple as your hot water settings.
While this is, luckily, an easy problem to fix, it’s important to keep an eye on your thermostat dial to prevent this from happening, since the consequences of raised pressure in a water heater as a result of temperature settings can be just as severe as pressure build-ups caused by other factors.
If your thermostat dial is set to a temperature that is too high, the pressure levels could rise to abnormal amounts.
Usually, your water heater thermostat should not be set about 120 degrees Fahrenheit, so it’s important to check on it regularly to make sure it’s not set too high.
Sediment
Over time, minerals that are found in hard water, such as magnesium and calcium, build up inside your water tank.
The residue on the walls and on the bottom of the tank can stop the water heater from working correctly, and this may lead to an increase in pressure.
Mineral deposits and sediment are the main reason why water heater manufacturers recommend flushing your tank on a yearly basis.
How To Tell If Hot Water Heater Pressure Is Too High
Not sure whether your hot water heater pressure really is too high?
Here are a few ways to tell.
If you’re not sure or suspect there may be a problem with regulating your water heater’s pressure levels, it’s best to call a professional.
Temperature fluctuations
Rust around the tank, or water escaping the tank
Strange noises such as bubbling or hissing
Water leaking from water-dispensing appliances
What You Should Do To Regulate Hot Water Heater Pressure
If you think the water pressure in your hot water heater is too high due to any of the signs above, the first thing you need to do is turn off the heater immediately.
This will help to keep you safe and means you won’t need to worry about the heater exploding.
Once the heater is turned off, you can either inspect the temperature dial or the pressure relief valve yourself.
If you don’t know how to do this, you should contact a plumber to inspect the heater for you.
Remember that a prevention is always better than a cure, so you should be conducting maintenance on your water heater regularly to prevent pressure buildups.
Flushing your tank regularly, checking the temperature, and inspecting the components for any cracks or visible damage will help you to avoid dangerous situations.
If you think there’s a problem, the best course of action is to seek professional advice and maintenance, since faulty water heaters can be dangerous to deal with if you’re untrained.
Final Thoughts
High pressure in a hot water heater can cause inconvenient and even dangerous situations, from minor leaks to flooding and even explosions.
Luckily, by knowing the causes of high water pressure in water heaters, as well as the signs and preventative measures to take, you can avert disaster and keep your water heater in good condition for as long as possible.
Remember, if you suspect that the pressure in your water heater is too high, turn off the power source immediately, and contact a professional in your area if you’re not sure what to do.
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.
