The hot water heater in your home is one of its most essential appliances. It provides your household with the heated water you need for daily tasks, including bathing, cooking, and cleaning. Hot water heaters are typically safe if they’re properly maintained, but there can be a possible explosion risk under certain conditions. Knowing the potential reasons, the warning signs associated with them, and the proper preventative steps can help you avoid a hot water heater explosion in your home.
The Mechanics Inside
A conventional water heater operates by taking in cold water, heating it up, and then storing it inside a tank until someone in the home needs it. The process uses either gas or electricity for the heating, and the temperature is regulated by a thermostat. Most water heaters have safety mechanisms, such as temperature and pressure relief valves. Also known as T&P valves, they’re designed to prevent too much pressure from building up. However, neglected maintenance or part failure are both situations that significantly increase the risk of a potential explosion.
Many homeowners wonder if a hot water heater can actually explode. The answer is yes, it’s possible. It’s a very rare occurrence, but the results when it happens are catastrophic. Potential consequences range from property damage to serious injuries. In the worst cases, fatalities are possible. An explosion happens when too much pressure has built up inside the tank because of faulty safety mechanisms or another malfunction.
Can a Tankless Water Heater Explode?
Tankless water heaters are often safer compared to traditional tank-style units, but there are still potential risks. Gas-powered units might ignite if a leak contacts a source of ignition. Hard water and mineral buildup can still form inside a tankless water heater, resulting in overheating and possible system failure. Valve malfunctions and blocks can risk damage or rupture.
5 Common Causes of Hot Water Heater Explosions
Five potential causes of hot water heater explosions are the most prominent and common reasons that can lead to this event.
1. Excessive Pressure Buildup
A water heater is designed to deal with a specific range of pressure. Tank rupture is possible if the pressure gets past the safe threshold. This can happen because of excessive water temperature settings, malfunctioning pressure relief valves, and faulty or blocked pressure release mechanisms.
2. Sediment Buildup
In time, sediment and minerals accumulate in the tank, especially at the bottom. This is more pronounced in regions with hard water. That buildup can make the heating element overwork, damage the tank lining, or trap heat. When pressure spikes and overheating happen on a weakened unit, the risk of a potential rupture is more likely.
3. Thermostat Malfunctions
If a thermostat malfunctions, it might make the water temperature get higher than is safe. That can increase the pressure inside the tank and heighten the chance of an explosion. Should you notice your water is hotter than normal, it might be a symptom of thermostat complications.
4. Faulty T&P Relief Valve
A hot water heater’s T&P relief valve is a crucial safety component. Pressure can reach hazardous levels without any means of escape if this valve is faulty, clogged, or improperly installed.
5. Gas Leaks
Gas-powered water heaters might explode if there’s exposure to sources of ignition. Be mindful of the warning signs of gas leaks, such as your pilot light going out frequently or hissing sounds near your gas line. You might also smell something like sulfur or rotten eggs. If you ever suspect a potential gas leak, turn the supply off immediately and consult a professional.
Warning Signs That Your Water Heater May Explode
Recognizing the early warning signs can help you avoid this potential disaster. While you need an industry professional for detailed analysis and repairs, there are certain things to watch out for in your home. When you use a fixture in your home, notice the water’s color. If it’s rusty or discolored, it might be due to corrosion inside your water heater tank. That can weaken the structure over time and raise the risk level of eventual failure.
Do a visual inspection of your unit. A T&P valve that’s releasing water continuously might indicate excessive pressure happening inside the tank. Overheating might be a risk if you notice scorched or burnt components on the tank or near the physical connections.
Listen for rumbling or popping noises. Sediment buildup causing overheating can produce these noises when pressure increases.
How To Prevent a Hot Water Heater Explosion
Preventative maintenance is essential to water heater safety. Your T&P relief valve needs to be inspected and tested regularly. Lift the valve handle to release some of the water to make sure everything is functioning properly. If water doesn’t release or you have continuous leaking, get it replaced immediately.
Have the tank flushed annually as part of your professional maintenance and servicing. This removes the buildup of sediment and prevents overheating. Also, have your technician check the thermostat for necessary adjustments. A water heater temperature of approximately 120 degrees Fahrenheit is ideal. Verify the proper function of the thermostat regularly. Your technician should also check the connections, valves, and tank for rust or leaks. Address minor issues and leaks immediately so that larger issues don’t happen.
If you have a gas water heater, ensure proper ventilation around the unit to improve airflow. Install a nearby carbon monoxide detector. Regularly inspect the flue pipe for potential blockages so that you don’t get dangerous gas buildup.
What To Do if You Suspect a Problem
If you notice any warning signs indicating your water heater is at risk of explosion, take action. Start by turning off the power supply, which varies based on whether your water heater is gas-powered or electrical. You might need to find the gas valve and turn it off, or you would have to switch off the electricity at the breaker.
You also need to shut off the incoming water supply. Find the cold water inlet. Turn it off to stop any pressure buildup.
The next step is the T&P valve. Test it. If water doesn’t come out, the valve might be faulty and will need replacement.
Call an industry professional. A licensed technician needs to inspect the entire unit to ascertain what replacements or repairs are necessary.
Rare but Devastating
Hot water heater explosions don’t happen very often, but they cause a lot of damage when they do occur. As a homeowner who wants to dramatically reduce your risk, you need to understand the potential causes, be able to recognize the warning signs, and arrange for regular maintenance. Being proactive and handling irregularities quickly ensures safe water heater operations.
KC Home Services provides plumbing services, such as drain cleaning, faucet and sewer services, sump pumps, and drain camera inspections to residents of Santa Rosa, CA, and the surrounding communities. Contact KC Home Services for all your hot water heater needs and services in your home, including tankless and heat pump models.
