Warning Signs Your Water Heater Needs Replacement Leaking or rust-colored water around the tank. A completely drained and non-functioning tank. Faulty pressure relief valve. Loud rumbling or banging noises.
Thanks to modern safety features and regulations, water heater explosions are rare. In 2022, 108 incidents involving hot water heaters were reported to the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission.
According to the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety, the average storage-type water heater only lasts about 10 years. By the 9-year mark, more than 40 percent have burst, and just 6 years after setting up your new model, there's still a 15 percent chance it will explode all over your basement.
Popping Noise
Another sign of a potential explosion waiting to happen in your water heater would be those frequent popping noises you hear as sediment buildup settles to the bottom of the tank. The sediment blocks the heating element, creating a barrier between the heat source and the water in the tank.
Water heaters show several signs of going bad, including lack of hot water, temperature fluctuations, decreased water pressure, strange noises, rotten egg smell, visible leaks, rusty or discolored water, and increased energy bills. If your water heater is over 10 years old, it may be time to consider a replacement.
If your water heater is leaking around the seams, the tank may need to be replaced. If the temperature/pressure relief (TPR) valve is dripping and pooling around the bottom of the tank, that could be a sign of dangerous pressures developing inside the tank.
The popping noise comes from water that is boiling underneath the sediment. While the noise itself is harmless, too much sediment can: Eventually cause a leak—Sediment slows heat transfer from the gas burner to the water.
Generally all water heaters come fitted with a thermostat which can be set for the desired water temperature. Once this is set, the water will heat to that temperature and the heater cuts off. So there is no risk of exploding, even if left for too long. There will be only power wastage.
You likely seldom think about your hot water heater, but you ought to, and below I'll lay out a few reasons why. According to the National Fire Protection Association, on average there are 5,400 home fires a year, resulting in about 20 fatalities from water heaters.
Water Heater Lifespan
If your tank water heater is more than 10 years old, it may be time to consider replacing it. With proper maintenance, a tank water heater tank should last six to 12 years. A tankless water heater can last for more than 20 years. Check your water heater's warranty for the most accurate timelines.
That increase in environmental dryness contributes heavily to fire danger risks. However, as Smokey the Bear says: “Only You can prevent forest fires!” Also, that saying applies directly to water heater owners. While surprising to some, water heater malfunctions now cause hundreds of fires yearly.
While rare, water heater explosions can and do happen. Knowing the warning signs and when replacement is needed can help avoid potential catastrophe.
Most homeowners should flush their water heaters every 6 months or so, but if you have extremely hard water, you may want to do it more often. Flushing your hot water heater could be necessary as often as every few months depending on the mineral content of your local water supply.
Here's what the most common water heater noises might mean: Crackling or Hissing Noise: A hissing sound could mean something is in the way of your water heater's heating unit. Popping Noise: A popping sound usually means there is sediment buildup inside the tank, likely from hard water or rust.
A water heater making strange noises could be a sign that the unit is beginning to fail. These sounds may include popping, banging, or even rumbling. Hot water heater noises are usually caused by sediment build-up on the bottom of the tank. When this happens, it can cause the unit to overheat and eventually fail.
While today's water heaters are better designed than older models, they still require regular maintenance in order to prolong their lives. With regular inspection, draining, and flushing, you can expect a gas water heater to last anywhere from 8-12 years and an electric water heater to last anywhere from 10-15 years.
If you notice signs of overheating like scalding water, a leaking pressure relief valve, unusual sounds, rusty water, and climbing energy bills, you need to take swift action to repair your water heater before it causes more problems.
When this happens, you can usually solve the problem by flushing the water tank out. However, if banging, cracking, popping, or rumbling noises persist, you should call a technician, as you may be experiencing a more complicated and dangerous issue in the tank, potentially requiring you to replace your whole system.
The water from the explosion is scalding hot and can leave you with burns. Finally, the water heater is made of metal, which can turn into dangerous shrapnel in an explosion. Any one of these things would be dangerous on its own; together, they are an absolute disaster. The explosion also causes property damage.