Is Your Water Heater in Danger of Exploding?
Without your water heater, you wouldn’t have hot showers, hot water to properly clean your dishes, or hot water to sanitize your clothes. That’s why it’s so important you take care of your unit. Do you know what else could happen if you don’t take care of your water heater? It might explode, and this is something you definitely should be worried about. If you are worried about your water heater is in danger of exploding, read on to learn about signs that you should look out for.
What Causes A Water Heater To Explode?
Are you wondering what causes a water heater to explode in the first place? Water heater explosions are terrifying, and they can happen. There are a number of reasons that your water heater can explode; however, the main reason behind water heater explosions is pressure. Anything that causes excess pressure on your water heating system, such as a poor anode rod, or a lot of sediment buildup, can all cause your water heater to explode. A gas leak can also cause your water heater to explode because it is a tremendous fire risk.
Water Heater Explosion Warning Signs
Below we list a few signs that you should look out for if you are worried about your water heater is in danger of exploding. If you notice any of these signs, please call a professional straight away to get your water heater inspected for you. The last thing you want is your water heater exploding when whatever the problem is could have been solved and taken care of with professional water heater repair services.
1. Leaking Pressure Valve
Your pressure valve's job is to make sure that, when your heater is treating water, too much pressure doesn’t build up inside the tank. But sometimes the safety mechanisms meant to do this can malfunction and allow too much pressure to build up. This causes the pressure valve to leak and is a telltale sign of a dangerous problem.
2. Rotten Egg Smell
A rotten egg smell is typically caused by the release of sulfur, which is a symptom of a gas leak. Your water heater has a pilot flame, and we all know what happens when gas hits fire — boom! If you start smelling this scent near the water heater, call a professional ASAP.
3. Popping Noises
Over time, sediment can build up at the bottom of your tank, which is why you need to drain it at least twice a year. If too much sediment builds up, water and air can get stuck underneath it and cause a pressure buildup and popping noises to occur. Just like the high water pressure, this can cause your water heater to explode.
4. Bad Installation
This one is a little harder to spot since you’re probably not an expert on water heater installation. Bad installations can lead to gas leaks, pressure buildup, or other problems that could end with your water heater exploding. If you feel that your water heater was not installed the right way, contact us and we can help ensure that your water heater is not only installed correctly but that it is also functioning at optimal levels!
5. Brown Water
If you notice brown water, it is critical to contact a water heating professional as soon as possible. Not only could this be a sign of a potential water heater explosion, but it is also detrimental to the health of you and your family. Your home's running water should always be clear in color. If your water has a brown tint, it could suggest that there is rust or sediment buildup in your water heater pipes.
If you notice any of these sings, we highly suggest that you call a water heating professional straight away. It is important that a professional inspect the situation for you and to conducts the water heater repair necessary to prevent your water heater from potentially exploding! Contact us to learn more about water heater explosion warning signs and what you can do to prevent them.
When it comes to the safety of your water heater in your home, trust the experts at Air Treatment Company.
We provide water heater maintenance and installation for homes around Vienna, VA and always provide the best service.