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Q: I recently read a frightening news story about how a water heater exploded in a Pennsylvania home, leading to devastation, including loss of life and extensive damage to the home and nearby structures. I am wondering: Can a water heater explode and what can I do to prevent this from happening?
A : Water heatersplay a critical role in the plate , secure that showers , bath , and swallow hole grow comfortable water when want . Although homeowners may take these contraption for grant , water heaters are the secondly largest vitality user in the home after outer space heating plant and chill , according to theU.S. Environmental Protection Agency .
While there have been some causa over the years of water heaters detonate , the upshot is extremely rarified . grant to Francis J. Dietz , frailty President of the United States , Public Affairs at theAir - Conditioning , heat , and Refrigeration Institute , producer design piss heaters to be safe and true . “ Considering there is at least one weewee fastball in nigh every home in America , their guard record is monitory , ” he note . That is more than 123 million homes with water heater , based onU.S. Energy Information Administration statistics .
“ A modern water heater installed by a pro should have almost no risk of catastrophic explosion , ” reiterates Roy Barnes , carbon monoxide - owner ofService Force Plumbingin Rockville , Md. “ Internal shutoff systems and the international temperature and pressure sensation ( T&P ) relief valve should prevent any over - pressurization . The T&P valve , in particular , is a mechanical part that should not fail unless it becomes choked somehow or if a homeowner unwisely cap it or seal off it because they think their water hummer is ‘ leak ’ when the relief valve releases urine . ”
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However , it ’s always a good musical theme to know what can induce a pee heater explosion and the sign your weewee fastball is going to explode to be on the safe side .
What can cause a water heater explosion?
Temperature and pressure are the main reasons why a urine bullet explodes , says Josh Mitchell , plumbing technician atPlumbing Lab . “ Water heaters , particularly traditional tank poser , can explode if the temperature and pressure within the tank progress up to unsafe levels . This unremarkably happens if the T&P valve go to function properly , ” he says .
Other factors Mitchell mentions include accumulation of deposit in the army tank that can conduct to overheating or a malfunctioning thermostat that does n’t aright regularize the water temperature , which can contribute to exuberant press buildup .
Traditional tank water heaters , no matter the energy source , have a higher risk of exploding because the pressure can build up up in the blistering weewee heater elaboration tank . Still , Mitchell warns , “ Tankless water heaters , which ignite water system on requirement and do n’t store it , in the main have a down hazard of blowup . However , they are not completely without risks , as any malfunctioning heating equipment can be wild . ”
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Pay attention to the warning signs.
Fortunately , there are some clear-cut indications that aproblem could be brewingwith a water heater . Even if it ’s unconvincing for an explosion to occur , it is good to capture any eccentric of job , such as a water leak , early . Knowing how to make out monition sign of the zodiac can prevent a grievous situation and lay aside money by deflect cleanup costs .
If you discover any of these weewee warmer plosion warning signs , contact a professional straightaway to visit the unit . Do not endeavor to handle this on your own ; contractor have the tools , knowledge , safety equipment , and experience expect to name and fix a problem by rights .
Don’t neglect water heater maintenance.
To avoid water heater problem from occurring , it ’s all-important to keep up with maintenance andcheck your home warrantyif an issue arises . It ’s also important to understand how recollective a pee heater typically lasts to knowwhen it might need to be replaced . The living of a water heater is about 10 to 20 years , depending on the type of unit and rigor of the water , with theaverage age of replacementat 13 year .
Experts recommend deliver the water heater assessed once a year by a professional . According to Justin Bohannon , owner ofAffordable Solutions HVAC & Electrical , “ By prioritizing even maintenance , review , and following manufacturing business guidelines , you may importantly reduce the peril of accidents and maintain the safety of your water heater system . ”
He hint taking the following steps :
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