A lot of people don’t pay much attention to their water heaters, but without proper maintenance, there’s an increased risk that something will go wrong. Because of the extreme pressure and heat generated by water heaters, certain problems can even result in a disastrous explosion. Fortunately, you can protect your home and family from water heater explosions by learning the warning signs and what causes them.
Top Reasons a Water Heater Will Explode
Excessive internal pressure buildup is a leading cause of water heater explosions since their design requires them to operate within a narrow pressure range. This usually happens when the water temperature is too high due to a faulty thermostat. If the T&P valve, which is in charge of releasing excess pressure, is not working correctly, there’s an even higher risk that the water heater will explode.
Improperly installed water heaters pose an explosion threat due to inadequate ventilation, wrong pressure settings or broken connections. Another potential cause of a water heater explosion is the accumulation of sediment. Hard water causes minerals like magnesium and calcium to settle on the tank’s base over time. Because the sediment insulates the heating components, the water heater has to work harder to maintain a safe temperature, which can lead to overheating. Sediment accumulation can weaken the tank to the point where it explodes in the worst-case scenario.
Water heaters can also explode due to corrosion within the tank. A typical component of contemporary water heaters is an anode rod, which prevents the tank from corroding by drawing in corrosive elements from the water. But the anode rod degrades with time, making the tank susceptible to corrosion. When a tank starts to rust, it becomes weaker and more likely to burst or explode suddenly.
Warning Signs That Your Water Heater Is About to Explode
Even though an explosion in a water heater could happen at any time, there are usually indicators that something could go wrong. If you know what to look for, you can take swift action to prevent a catastrophe.
Rotten Egg Smell
A rotten egg odor, usually created by sulfur bacteria in the water heater tank, is one of the most prominent indicators that the unit is about to burst. This odor is a telltale sign of hydrogen sulfide gas, which can build up in the water heater due to damaged anode rods.
Opened T&P Valve
When the T&P valve opens, it indicates that the water heater has reached a potentially harmful level of pressure or temperature. When this happens, an explosion could happen if the valve doesn’t let out enough of the excess pressure.
Popping Noises
Sediment buildup creates tiny steam pockets by trapping water beneath it. These steam pockets rupture as the water warms up, producing a bursting or popping sound. The accumulation can weaken the tank and cause it to overheat, which in turn increases the likelihood of an explosion.
Brown Water
Another possible indicator that your water heater could explode is if the water is brown or discolored. Rust and corrosion within the tank are usually the cause of this discoloration. The corrosion weakens the tank, which increases the likelihood of a rupture or explosion.
Best Ways to Prevent Water Heater Explosions
To avoid water heater explosions, regular maintenance is key. You can minimize overheating and pressure problems caused by sediment building by having a professional flush the tank every six months to a year. To keep the tank from weakening due to corrosion, it is essential to check the anode rod regularly and replace it if it is worn down. Properly testing the T&P valve every few months ensures that pressure levels remain safe. To further minimize potential safety issues, such as incorrect pressure settings and ventilation, it is critical to have a licensed professional perform the installation correctly. Last but not least, to avoid a pressure buildup that could cause an explosion, keep the water heater temperature below 120°F.
Benjamin Franklin Plumbing is here to help you keep your water heater working as it should. We provide expert water heater installations and maintenance, so call us today to book an appointment.