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.
While rare, water heater explosions can and do happen. Knowing the warning signs and when replacement is needed can help avoid potential catastrophe.
How Common Are Water Heater Explosions? 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.
Water heaters with a tank style that are more than 15 years old leak more frequently than heaters with digital controls. As the system ages, components wear down, the water loses heat over time, and leaks occur more frequently. Water heaters may leak as a result of age.
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.
Whether or not homeowners insurance covers water heater leaks depends on the specific circumstances of the leak and the terms of your policy. In general, if the leak is sudden and accidental, and not caused by your negligence, your policy will likely cover the cost of repairs.
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.
The drain valve, located at the bottom of the tank, is the likely source of water heater leaks. Check the drain valve for escaping water. In the case that a small drip is occurring, a garden hose cap or sprayer makes a quick leak fix until the valve can be replaced.
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.
With the average lifespan of a residential water heater between 10 and 20 years, more than 25% of the water heaters in service are nearing the end of their useful life at any given point in time. Water heater failure can cause significant damage to the home, particularly if the water heater was not properly maintained.
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.
A water heater explosion can cause significant damage to your home, and thankfully, most homeowners insurance policies do cover such events. However, the coverage may be subject to certain conditions, such as proper maintenance and adherence to safety codes.
If water is gushing out or if the leak is causing immediate damage, it is an emergency. In these situations, shutting off the water supply and calling a professional should be your immediate steps. Moreover, excessive heat can also turn the situation into an emergency.
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.
Absolutely! After 20 years, your tank water heater is well past its life expectancy. If you have a tankless water heater, it's approaching its life expectancy. At this point, you should expect additional repairs from wear and tear.
The good news is that most standard home warranty plans will cover your water heater.
Homeowners insurance typically won't cover plumbing problems that are considered preventable. Neglect would be a reason you might not be covered. For example, if your pipes have been leaking for weeks or months and it is visible and apparent, insurance likely won't cover the damage.
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.
Expect a pro to charge you between $75 and $200 to come to your home to flush your water heater, depending on where you live. While this cost deters many homeowners from performing this annual maintenance, it can extend the water heater's lifespan by years, making it worth the additional cost.
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.