While very rare, a water heater explosion can cause serious damage to your home – and possibly yourself. A water heater exploding can be as damaging as a bomb. It’s important to know what causes a water heater to explode and how to avoid it from happening in the future.
A water heater explosion isn’t very common, but it could still happen in a few rare cases. Here’s why.
What Causes a Water Heater to Explode?
There are two prevalent ways that your water heater can become a threat to your home. The first way is through out-of-control water pressure buildup. If there is a safety valve or mechanism that fails in identifying a hazard, the pressure in your tank can build up until it bursts.
The second threat is a gas leak. Having a gas leak near your heater can cause the ignition on the heater to create a fire near its pressurized chamber, which can cause tremendous damage.
What are the Best Ways to Prevent a Water Heater Explosion?
Having your water heater break, much less explode, can be very costly, so it’s a good idea to be aware of the ways you can reduce the likelihood of anything going wrong:
- Lower your water heater’s temperature: Having your water heather’s temperature be too high can damage your water heater. It’s essential to have the heater set around 120-130 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Let a professional deal with any vital installations or repairs: It does feel good to finish a DIY project, but with something that could become a safety concern to your home, it’s wise to let a professional do the job. It will be a great deal more costly to replace a water heater than to have a professional complete any necessary touch-ups.
- Be aware of your T&P valve: A T&P valve is what releases unnecessary pressure and keeps your house safe. It’s essential to check regularly to make sure the valve is working correctly. When you check to see if it is working correctly, it will release some water and then return to normal when you flip its lever.
- Schedule annual maintenance: A water heater tune-up allows a professional to check once a year to make sure everything is running smoothly and keep you and your loved ones safe. You should also be aware of your water heater’s age. A water heater should be replaced at least every 10 years to prevent any leaking or damage.
For all of your plumbing needs, we are here to help. Give Gotelli Plumbing a call today, and find the service that is right for you.
