Although this is a relatively rare occurrence, there is a chance that a water heater might explode if not taken care of properly. Therefore, it’s important to understand the warning signs of a potential explosion as well as why this might happen in the first place.
The Warning Signs of a Potential Water Heater Explosion
If you hear a whistling sound when the water heater is in operation, it could be a sign that too much pressure is building inside of the tank. You might also notice that the temperature and pressure (T&P) valve is either not working or is activated on a frequent basis.
While there is generally no cause for alarm if the valve opens every so often, it shouldn’t do so more than once or twice a month. If you notice that it’s opening on a daily basis, it is likely a sign of trouble. The same is true if the valve stays open for more than a few seconds after it is activated.
You may also have an issue on your hands if you see brown or reddish water coming out of the tank. This is a clear indication that rust is present inside of the tank, and rust is often responsible for causing imperfections within the tank. These imperfections can make it difficult or impossible for heat to circulate properly.
It could also be a sign of sediment buildup inside of the tank, which can also cause problems with water temperature regulation. You may also notice inconsistent water temperature when you wash your hands, wash dishes or take a shower.
Finally, you could put yourself at risk of an explosion if the water heater temperature setting is too high. Ideally, you’ll keep the water in the tank at somewhere between 125 and 150 degrees.
What Causes a Water Heater to Explode?
There are a couple of key reasons why a water heater explodes. First, there is too much heat building up inside of the tank, which causes it to expand. In addition, the pressure that the heat helps to create isn’t vented properly because the tank is ruptured or is otherwise incapable of allowing it to escape. In some cases, an explosion is caused by the presence of a gas leak, an open flame or some other source of ignition.
What Can You Do to Reduce the Risk of an Explosion?
The best thing to do is to have your water heater inspected on a regular basis to catch problems before they escalate. If your current water heater is more than a decade old, it may be a good idea to replace it as it likely has rust, a ruptured tank or other issues that have been festering for some time. This is why the average useful life of a water heater is listed at 10 to 15 years.
Potential Consequences of an Explosion
If your water heater does explode, it will likely unleash a torrent of hot water in your basement, attic or wherever else it is located. In the event that you are in the blast radius when the incident occurs, you could be scalded or injured by debris that is likely to be dislodged by the explosion. Typically, such an event will level some or all of a home, and it’s possible that flying debris could injure others in the vicinity of your home. The water heater itself could become airborne if it is not properly secured.
Call Benjamin Franklin Plumbing for Assistance
Keeping your water heater in good condition today may prevent significant damage tomorrow. Whether you need a new water heater or simply need your current one inspected or repaired, our team can help to ensure that your home is safe for everyone who lives there.