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As a homeowner, nothing is more worrisome than the thought of something exploding inside your home. Unfortunately, any time you combine a spark, a fuel source, and combustion, there’s a risk that things can go terribly wrong and cause an explosion. This includes your gas water heater.
Although these incidents are rare, it’s important to understand what causes water heaters to explode and how to prevent this catastrophe. A water heater explosion can cause serious damage, injury, and even death, so keeping up with maintenance and staying alert to signs of trouble is imperative for safety.
Why Mankato Water Heaters Explode Suddenly
Before discussing what causes water heaters to explode, it’s worth mentioning that only storage tank appliances are at risk. If you have a tankless or on-demand water heater, you don’t have to worry about this issue.
It’s also important to note that these risks are mostly a concern when the water heater uses combustion (i.e., gas) to heat the water. That doesn’t mean you don’t need to worry about an electric or heat pump water heater exploding, only that it’s far less likely to happen.
With that in mind, what are the five most common causes of water heater explosions?
1. Faulty Temperature and Pressure Relief Valve
Modern water heaters have a temperature and pressure relief valve to release pressure buildup when it gets too high, usually because the water gets too hot inside the tank. The earliest water heaters (those sold nearly 100 years ago) didn’t have these valves and were considerably more vulnerable to explosions.
Today, this is a critical safety component; if it fails, there’s an increased chance that your Mankato water heater will explode. You can tell it’s failing and needs replacement if it starts to leak. A leaking temperature and pressure relief valve cannot manage the pressure inside the tank and will allow it to build to dangerous levels.
A valve that remains open constantly is also a sign of trouble. The T & P relief valve should close once the water temperature is low enough to reduce pressure. If this doesn’t happen, there’s a problem causing the temperature and pressure to stay elevated, and the water heater needs attention.
2. Gas Leaks
You can’t overlook gas leaks when discussing what causes water heaters to explode. There’s an explosion risk whenever gas escapes the lines from damage, an installation error, or other system issues. Because gas water heaters have a pilot flame, a gas leak is an emergency since the moment gas contacts that fire, it will ignite.
A smell of sulfur or rotten eggs is a surefire sign of a leak in the gas line. If you notice this odor near the water heater, get emergency help from a Mankato plumber or call 911 immediately to prevent an explosion.
3. Sediment Buildup
Accumulated sediment from the water and your plumbing lines can cause major problems for your water heater. Flushing the tank at least once a year is critical to preventing sediment buildup. Excessive sediment can cause multiple problems, including brown water, malfunctioning heating elements that lead to overheating, and a faulty temperature and pressure relief valve failure.
Water discoloration and popping noises are the most common signs of sediment buildup in the water heater. When the sediment accumulates at the bottom of the tank, it can trap water underneath, which will boil and hit the heating elements, causing the telltale popping noise.
Sediment buildup on the heating elements can also cause them to overheat, even if they don’t adequately heat the water. If you notice any signs of sediment, your water heater might explode, so get help from a plumber in Mankato as soon as possible.
4. Electrical Malfunctions
Electrical issues are also on the list of what causes water heaters to explode. Electrical malfunctions can be the underlying cause of other problems or develop because of an unaddressed issue.
For example, an electrical problem can cause the thermostat to malfunction, which in turn increases the water temperature and pressure, leading to an explosion. Or, sediment can accumulate on the electrical components, like anodes, causing them to break down, creating conditions for an explosion.
Sometimes, electrical malfunctions have nothing to do with the water heater but the overall electrical system. A power surge can damage the water heater, but the appliance is in danger any time there’s excessive voltage. High current traveling across the wires can melt the line insulation, effectively making the water heater live and creating an explosion risk.
5. Improper Installation
There’s a reason you need a plumber to install your water heater in Mankato: Improper installation can cause many problems, including possible explosions. Poor installation is an underlying cause of many water heater explosions, so it’s critical to do the job correctly.
It’s not easy for the average homeowner to spot poor installation by looking at the appliance, but there may be signs. Get in touch with a plumber to check it out if you notice:
- Insufficient hot water
- Low water pressure
- Smelly or discolored water
- Strange noises coming from the tank
- Inconsistent water temperature
- Leaks
Keep Your Mankato Water Heater Working Safely
Now that you know what causes water heaters to explode, keeping a closer eye on yours is key to ensuring it’s working properly. Although modern safety features reduce the likelihood of explosions, there’s always a chance, so stay alert to signs of trouble and act quickly to avoid an emergency situation.
Investing in regular maintenance is crucial to keeping your water heater working safely and reliably. Turn to Babe Plumbing, Heating and Air for annual water heater maintenance and flushing, and enjoy safe and reliable hot water throughout the year. We can answer all your questions, too, explaining the reasons your heater keeps turning off and other problems, guaranteeing total comfort.