A broken water heater can create a large pool of water, which creates a serious electrical hazard. Additionally, your water heater's electric or gas heating element may continue to run after the tank fails, which could start a fire.
If your water heater bursts, contain the damage by stopping the water flow, turning off the power, and contacting a plumber immediately. To minimize flood damage, clean up standing water as quickly as possible and position fans in the area to promote airflow and expedite drying.
This extreme system failure can cause extensive damage to the home and its plumbing system, and the force of an exploding hot water heater tank has the potential to injure or kill occupants.
It can stay heated long after the water has leaked from the tank. This can waste energy and in the worst-case scenario, start a fire. The heating element normally shuts itself off after the water reaches a certain temperature, but if your tank burst because of a faulty thermostat, it probably will not shut itself off.
Signs of a failing hot water heater are evident when you experience a lack of hot water, notice water leaking around the unit, hear strange noises like popping or rumbling, see rusty or discolored hot water coming from the taps, encounter reduced water pressure, or have recurrent pilot light issues in gas heaters.
While rare, water heater explosions can and do happen. Knowing the warning signs and when replacement is needed can help avoid potential catastrophe.
Even if the problem starts small, a crack or spot of rust can quickly lead to tank leaks if you aren't careful. As we've already mentioned, a leaking water heater is an emergency and should be handled with a sense of urgency.
Shutting off the input to your water heater will not affect your home's main water supply. You can still run appliances like your washing machine or dishwasher, flush your toilet, and use your shower, sink, or garden hose.
In general, homeowners insurance policies cover sudden and accidental damage to your home and personal property. This includes damage caused by a water heater leak, as long as the leak is considered sudden and accidental.
A burst pipe will send water flooding into your home. Locate the main water supply and shut it off to stop the flow of water, preventing additional damage. Leave the faucets on to fully drain the pipe and relieve any remaining pressure, and flush all toilets.
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.
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.
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.
PLUMBING & DRAIN CLEANING. A leaking water heater, very similar to any other common problem in a home; it costs money, inconveniences you, and causes damage. However, unlike typical plumbing leaks, a leaking water heater has the potential to be dangerous and even deadly.
When a water heater isn't heating or has other problems, you may be able to fix it by yourself. The repair might be as simple as adjusting a setting, pressing a reset button, or clearing sediment buildup. Learn why a water heater isn't heating, as well as how to fix other common problems.
When you run out of hot water, try resetting your water heater thermostat. If the issue persists, raise the thermostat temperature to see if your water heater is at the wrong temperature. If this doesn't work, contact a plumber to determine the issue.
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.
Accidental water damage that occurs as a result of a sudden, unexpected occurrence like a burst pipe is often covered by a homeowners insurance policy. In addition, cleaning, repair or replacement of wood flooring, drywall and even furniture due to water damage as a result of a burst pipe typically is covered.
DON'T set your water heater temperature above 120 degrees Fahrenheit. DON'T keep combustible material within 18 inches of the hot water heater. DON'T leave children unattended around a hot water heater. DON'T allow plaque and sediment to build up in your tank.
Shut the water supply off
All water heaters have this shut off. If your water heater is inaccessible or the water surrounding it is too hot for your to safely access the area, turn off your home's main water supply. to the water heater should slow down or stop the leak.
If the plumber does their work correctly, yes. Typically, there should be a shut-off valve just for the water heater. They would turn off water to the water heater, then work on it (after capping the hot water line). You would only lose hot water to the house.
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.
Turn off your hot water as soon as you discover the leak. A small leak can lead to big damage if you don't fix it in time. On average, water heater repairs cost about $600. As long as you're OK with cold water, you may be able to use water while it's leaking.
It is legal for you to install a water heater yourself or to use an unlicensed plumber to install it. However, it's not a good idea. First of all, you will still need to pull a permit and have the installation inspected no matter who does the work.