While rare, residential water heater explosions do occur and can be deadly. Explosions are possible with both gas and electric tank water heaters, primarily those that are poorly maintained.
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. Of those, just two incidents were related to water heater explosions due to mechanical pressure.
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.
If too much pressure builds up inside your water heater, it will eventually burst. Water heaters feature a temperature and pressure relief valve, but over the years, the pressure can still wear down your tank.
An exploding water heater can cause catastrophic damage, not only to your plumbing and to your home, but can also be deadly. The sheer force of the released pressure from within the tank and the shards of shredded metal and gallons of scalding hot water suggest disaster for anyone close to the tank when it pops.
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.
What Is Causing a Popping Sound in My Water Heater? Minerals and other particles in your water supply can cause sediment and scale buildup. The popping noise comes from boiling water beneath the sediment. While the noise is not dangerous, excessive sediment can result in several problems for your water heater.
You should always keep safety top of mind regarding water heaters. A water heater leak can turn into an emergency situation. In rare circumstances, the buildup of water pressure can lead to an explosion. While uncommon, you must still take a water heater leak seriously since it must be repaired or replaced.
If you have any gas-fueled appliances (water heater, furnace, oven, clothes dryer, etc.) in your home, a carbon monoxide detector is imperative. The Consumer Product Safety Commission warns carbon monoxide poisoning kills 200 people each year and causes another 10,000 to need hospital treatment.
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.
Open a hot water tap nearest to the water heater, preferably on the floor above. This alleviates pressure in the system, allowing the water to drain quickly from the tank, much like removing your finger from the top of a drinking straw filled with liquid.
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.
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.
This doesn't happen often, but if the pressure inside the container builds to a certain level, the heater might explode. If you're wondering what causes too much pressure in a hot water heater, we have covered all you need to know. You may have also noticed that your water heater sounds like a tea kettle when it's on.
Fortunately, both electric and gas water heaters have several safeguards that prevent fires, but failing to maintain your unit can increase the chances of your system catching ablaze. System neglect and improper use are the two primary causes of water heater fires, but other issues can spark a fire as well.
To answer your question, once you notice a water heater leak, you have no time to wait. It is an indication that your water needs replacement. In general, you should not ignore the leak because it may cause additional damage.
Have a Water Heater Emergency? Call the Experts! It's no secret that a leaking water heater is an emergency, but you also shouldn't turn a blind eye to visible damage on the tank, strange noises, and a complete lack of hot water. All of these issues should be addressed promptly.
That being said, while you're waiting for water heater repairs, try to ease up on your hot water use. It's still ok to shower, but if you were looking for an excuse to eat out for a day or two so you don't have to do any dishes, a leaking water heater is a good reason to do just that.
Sediment buildup, excess pressure, and corrosion can all cause a water heater to burst. If your water heater bursts, contain the damage by stopping the water flow, turning off the power, and contacting a plumber immediately.
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.
Bad Thermostats
The thermostat's role is to regulate the water temperature inside the tank. If a thermostat is malfunctioning, it can cause the water heater to overheat, leading to a circuit overload and tripping the breaker.
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.
A water heater needs a steady air supply. Otherwise, the pilot light will go out. This tends to happen in direct vent gas water heaters. When airflow affects your pilot light, it's usually a sign that there's a draft somewhere near the base of your water heater.