Can a water heater explosion kill me? Will my home survive an explosion in the basement? There is a lot of information about the risks involved with a Water Heater Explosion on the internet but there isn’t enough information for someone who doesn’t have much time to find out more. This article will provide an overview of all that you need to know about Water Heaters exploding and how they can kill or hurt people badly.
Can a Water Heater Explosion Kill You?
A water heater explosion can be a frightening experience. Not only can it cause extensive damage to your home, but it also has the potential to injure or even kill you and your family.
What causes a water heater to explode in the first place? Usually, it’s due to overheating. If the tank gets too hot, the metal will expand until it cracks or bursts. Additionally, if there is any kind of gas leak in the vicinity of the water heater, an explosion could result.
It’s important to be aware of these dangers and know what signs to look for if you think your water heater might be faulty. One telltale sign is that your hot water suddenly becomes lukewarm or cool. You may also hear a hissing noise coming from the tank, or see evidence of leaking around the base. If you suspect any kind of problem with your hot water heater, don’t hesitate to call a professional for help.
Notable Cases where Water Heater explosions killed people
Water heater explosions can cause serious damage, with many more deaths due to the explosion than people killed from the initial fire. In fact, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), water heaters are responsible for about 14% of structure fires in the United States.
While these numbers might not seem high at first glance, when you consider that a water heater explosion can cause such devastating damage, it’s easy to see how this figure can be so alarming. And unfortunately, fatalities often occur as a result of these types of explosions.
There are already a few news stories from 2020 that talk about these kinds of things. It happened, to name a few places, in Russia, California, and Alaska. These kinds of explosions happen often enough to warrant big investments and research into how to stop them. Two people were killed and four others were injured when a water heater exploded in Illinois.
The label on the water heater warns of its risk, but it also might not be enough to cover your loss. If your home is damaged or someone is injured as a result of your water heater exploding, you may find yourself fighting for compensation in court.
Factors Leading to Hot Water Heater Explosions
There are many factors that can lead to a hot water heater explosion. It is important to be aware of these dangers in order to protect yourself and your loved ones. Some of the main causes of such an event include internal tank temperatures above 120 degrees Fahrenheit, sediment buildup in the tank, high internal pressure and heating of tanks beyond safe limits, and incorrect component installation or malfunctions.
Leaks are also a source of explosions, along with other component defects. The system’s temperature and pressure valve might malfunction if not installed properly. And finally, many factors contribute to water heater explosions–including an inappropriate type of O-ring and improper installation procedures
What Are the Signs Your Water Heater Is Going to Burst?
A Leaking Tank
If you notice a leak coming from your water heater, it is important to take action right away. Turn off the water supply to your house if the leak is critical. If the unit appears to be sitting in a pool of water, contact your plumber!
There are several signs that can indicate that your water heater is going to burst, such as cracks and fractures in the tank, as well as warm water escaping. This is why it is not safe to leave a leaking water heater on. If any of these are present, please turn off your water supply immediately and contact a professional.
The Pressure Relief Valve is Constantly Open
If the pressure relief valve is constantly open, it means that the water heater is reaching unsafe temperatures and needs to be repaired. You can have a professional check out your water heater to find out what’s causing the problem and fix it.
A Consistent Popping Noise
If you’re hearing a consistent popping noise, it’s important to determine the source of the sound. Popping noises can be caused by a variety of things, such as:
- Water escaping from the tank – This is usually accompanied by a hissing sound.
- Silt build-up in your water heater – This can lead to corrosion and damage to your unit.
- Air bubbles in the sediment layer – If these get too large, they can cause the water heater to burst.
If you’re unsure about what’s causing the popping noise, it’s best to call a professional for help. They will be able to identify the issue and provide a solution. In some cases, replacement might be necessary.
Pressure Relief Valve Leakage
Leaks can occur when the pressure relief valve becomes overworked. This is typically caused by an excessive strain that pushes on the valve and causes it to leak. The pressure relief valve is an important water heater sign, so if you notice any leaks around the perimeter of the valve, it’s time to take action.
Another sign of a leak is when the pressure relief valve is constantly opening, meaning that the tank may be leaking. If this happens, you’ll need to replace your water heater immediately. One of the signs your water heater might be going bad is if there is a leak from the tank. If you see any of these warning signs, don’t wait – call a technician today for help.
How to Prevent your Electric Water Heater from Exploding
If you’re like most people, you probably don’t think about your electric water heater until it’s too late. And by then, it might be too late to prevent an explosion. But if you take a few simple precautions, you can greatly reduce the risk of your water heater exploding.
The first thing you should do is check the temperature and pressure valve to make sure it is operating correctly. If it isn’t, have a professional fix it as soon as possible.
Also, be sure to lower the water temperature so that it does not exceed 130*F; anything higher than this can cause scalding or serious damage.
Finally, schedule an annual tune-up for your water heater so that any potential problems can be detected and fixed before they turn into an explosion.
Mike Spencer
Hi Guys, Mike is a Mechanical Engineer who specializes in Heating, Ventilation, and Air-conditioning. His love for humanity and his profession propels him to share useful and factual Information on this blog.