Your water heater brings you comfort and convenience every day, whether you’re enjoying a hot bath, washing your dishes, or laundering your clothes. Water heaters are sturdy appliances, but they don’t last forever, and they must be maintained properly to be safe and reliable. Homeowners who take basic care of these appliances usually have little to worry about, yet it’s important to check periodically to ensure they are working without issue; otherwise, disaster may strike. As the temperature of the water rises, the pressure will increase too. Thermal expansion can create an excess of pressure that can cause a water heater to explode.
What Factors Can Cause a Water Heater to Explode?
Both gas and electric tank water heaters can explode if the pressure inside of them rises too high. Many factors can cause thermal expansion inside a water heater, and the presence of sediment is at the top of the list. When sediment gathers at the bottom of the heater, it can block essential components or create an insulating effect that causes the water temperature to rise to an unsafe level. Water heaters are equipped with pressure valves that are meant to keep them safe, but if the pressure release valves are working overtime, it could indicate that sediment is blocking the flow of water inside the tank, which can slow down its circulation and increase the pressure inside.
Bad anode rods, gas leaks, rusty containers, corrosion, and faulty safety mechanisms can also contribute to excess pressure in the tank, which can cause it to burst. If a water heater explodes, it can release scalding steam and water that can injure anyone in its path and damage your property. Water heater explosions are likely to release huge amounts of water that can cause serious structural harm to your walls, ceiling, electrical system, appliances, and furniture. If the explosion is caused by or contributes to a gas leak, it can even start a fire.
What Are Some Warning Signs That Your Water Heater Could Explode?
If you own and use a water heater, noticing a problem can help you prevent a catastrophe. Below, we’ll discuss some indications that your water heater is going bad. If you experience any of the following signs of trouble, take action right away.
Whistling or Gurgling Noises
If your water heater whistles or gurgles, it may need to be flushed free of sediment. While these sounds may not indicate immediate danger, you should still call a plumber to make sure that the water heater can operate safely.
Leaking T&P Valve
When your water heater is on, its temperature and pressure relief valve (T&P valve) regulates the temperature and pressure inside the tank. If this safety valve malfunctions, allowing an excess of pressure to build up inside the tank, the pressure valve can leak, or worse. If you notice that the T&P valve is leaking, it’s a sign that the pressure inside the tank is too high, and you should call a plumber right away. Defective T&P valves are one of the main causes of exploding water heaters.
Perpetually Open T&P Valve
If you observe that the T&P valve on your water heater stays open, pay attention, because it could indicate that your heater or the valve is malfunctioning. If the valve fails, it could cause an explosion, so call a plumber to check it out.
T&P valves are designed to open when the pressure inside the tank reaches a predetermined maximum. This lowers pressure inside the tank and prevents its walls, seals, and components from experiencing too much strain. Since high water temperatures can increase pressure, the valve will also open if water temperatures exceed a certain set point. When this happens, cool water will flow into the tank and lower its temperature. Once conditions inside the tank return to normal, the T&P valve closes.
Rotten Egg Odors
If the air near your water heater smells like gas or rotten eggs, you should call a plumber immediately. This odor is typically caused by hydrogen sulfide gas, which can indicate a gas leak caused by damaged gas lines or a faulty installation. If the water heater’s pilot light ignites the gas, it can cause a dangerous and devastating explosion and fire.
Popping Sounds
Popping sounds can signal that the bottom of your water heater’s tank has a buildup of sediment. As air and water get trapped underneath the residue, the temperature inside the tank increases as the heating elements work to heat the rest of the water. As the trapped air and water boil and try to escape, the increasing pressure can cause popping noises. The excess sediment can also clog the T&P valve and prevent it from opening, which can lead to an explosion. If you hear popping sounds coming from your water heater, call your plumber.
Signs of Improper Installation
Bad water heater installations can cause all kinds of problems, like loose seals or pressure build-ups that can cause water or gas leaks that lead to an explosion. If you suspect that your water heater was not installed properly, you should call a plumber to check things out.
Brown Water
If you notice brown water coming out of the hot water tap, you should call a plumber right away. Brown water is a sign of sediment or rust in the tank or your plumbing system, which could indicate that a component inside the water heater has rusted and could malfunction.
How Can I Prevent a Water Heater Explosion?
Most people think of hot water as a necessity. To ensure that you’ll always have a safe and reliable supply of hot water, there are steps you can take to keep your tank in good shape and prevent the chance of an explosion.
Check Your Pressure Valve
Every six months or so, inspect your water heater’s pressure valve to make sure it’s working properly. If you notice leaks, strange noises, or other problems, call a professional.
Check Your Temperature Settings
Keeping your water at an ideal temperature between 120ºF and 140ºF will help to maintain an appropriate pressure level inside the tank and decrease the chance of explosions.
Check Your Gas Lines
If you have a gas-powered water heater, you can check the gas lines for leaks using a solution of soapy water. Open the gas supply valve and apply a bit of soapy water to the gas line connections and the tubing. If you see bubbles, tighten or refit the joint or replace the line.
Service Your Heater
Although it’s easy to forget to service your water heater, you should flush it out or get it cleaned at least once a year to prevent sediment from building up. Calling a plumber to do the job can save you the headache of doing it yourself.
Want to Prevent a Water Heater Explosion? Call Benjamin Franklin Plumbers!
If you’re overdue for a service check on your water heater or you notice signs of trouble, it’s important to call a plumber ASAP. The pros at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing will be happy to inspect your water heater and make sure that it’s operating safely.