Water heater explosions are rare but when they do happen they can be devastating.
A hot water heater explode.
What causes a water heater to explode.
Malfunctioning water heaters run a much higher chance risk of exploding as do ones that are not being maintained or replaced regularly.
However there is one that you need to pay the closest attention to which is the pressure inside the water heater.
What causes a hot water heater to explode.
A water heater explosion often occurs when either or both of these factors reach dangerous levels that cannot be resolved through safety mechanisms like the temperature and pressure relief valve.
Do not wait for a catastrophe.
The amount of pressure inside is the most important factor that can cause a water heater to explode or prevent it.
The pressure relief valve is usually located at the top of heater on the side.
Here are a few signs your water heater will give before going burst.
Most water heaters are designed to endure internal water pressure of up to 150 psi.
Leaking pressure relief valve.
To restart the water heater open the shutoff valve and let the hot water run at any faucet to purge air from the system.
It is normal for pressure to be present but if the water heater has too much of it and this not immediately rectified that s the time it will happen.
Usually the fastest way to purge the system of air is to bleed from the farthest point.
Can a water heater explode.
Set your water heater s dial to 120 degrees f.
Meaning there s a limit to the amount of pressure your water heater can endure.
A water heater explosion produces enough force to completely destroy your home.
Among other reasons like sediment build up and weakened water heater walls due to corrosion the most prevalent cause of hot water heater bursts is too much pressure inside the tank.
It opens when the pressure inside the tank reaches extremely high levels letting out water and lowering the pressure inside.
When a heater fails or even explodes it can cause extensive water damage to your home.
Then turn on the power or relight the pilot.
Your water heater has a limited lifespan during which it deals with a lot of pressure.