If you’ve ever wondered whether a water heater explosion can kill you, the answer is yes. In fact, water heater explosions are one of the leading causes of home fires and home fire fatalities in the United States. Here’s what you need to know about water heater explosions and how to prevent them.
Water heaters are pressurized tanks that heat water and store it until it’s needed. When they malfunction, they can release scalding hot water or steam, which can cause serious injuries or even death. Water heater explosions usually happen when the pressure inside the tank becomes too great and the tank ruptures.
This can be caused by a number of things, including a buildup of sediment in the bottom of the tank, a faulty pressure relief valve, or corrosion of the tank itself.
A water heater explosion can certainly kill you – and anyone else in close proximity to the blast. In fact, a water heater explosion is one of the most dangerous home disasters that you can experience. Here’s why:
When a water heater explodes, it does so with enormous force. The pressure inside the tank is suddenly released, and the tank itself becomes a projectile. Water heaters are typically made of metal or concrete, both of which can cause serious injuries if they hit someone.
In addition to the physical threat posed by an exploding water heater, there is also the risk of fires and electrical shocks. The high temperatures and pressures inside a water heater can easily ignite surrounding materials, and the electrical wiring connected to the appliance can deliver a deadly shock.
If you have a water heater in your home, it’s important to have it regularly inspected by a qualified technician.
If there are any signs of wear or damage, have it repaired or replaced immediately before it has a chance to explode.
Water heater explosion destroys home and leaves one in hospital
Can You Survive a Water Heater Explosion?
If your water heater is gas-powered, it poses a serious explosion risk if not properly maintained. A water heater explosion can occur when there is a build-up of natural gas inside the unit. This can happen if the gas line becomes blocked or the unit’s venting system is not functioning correctly.
If you suspect that your water heater may be at risk of exploding, it is important to shut off the gas supply and call a qualified technician to inspect and repair the unit.
Explosions from electric water heaters are much less common, but can still occur if the unit is damaged or improperly wired. If you have an electric water heater, be sure to regularly inspect it for signs of damage and have any repairs made by a qualified electrician.
In either case, it is important to evacuate the area immediately if you hear hissing or roaring sounds coming from your water heater, as this indicates that a dangerous amount of gas has accumulated and an explosion is imminent. Get out of the house and call 911 from a safe location. Do not attempt to repair the unit yourself – leave that to the professionals!
What Happens When a Hot Water Heater Bursts?
If your hot water heater bursts, it can cause a lot of damage to your home. Water will start spraying out from the tank and can quickly flood your basement or utility room. The high pressure of the water can also cause the tank to break through walls or ceilings, which can lead to serious structural damage.
In addition, the hot water can scald anyone who comes into contact with it, causing severe burns. If you have a burst hot water heater, it’s important to shut off the water supply to the tank immediately and then call a plumber or heating contractor to repair the problem.
How Common is a Water Heater Explosion?
Water heater explosions are actually quite rare. While there are no definitive statistics on the matter, it is estimated that they occur in only a small fraction of 1% of cases. This low occurrence rate is due in part to the fact that water heaters are designed with several safety features that help to prevent an explosion from happening.
How Do I Know If My Water Heater is Going to Explode?
If you have a water heater, it’s important to know the signs that it may be about to explode. This is because explosions are one of the most common causes of death in residential fires.
There are three main signs that your water heater may be about to explode:
#1 – You Hear a Rumbling or Popping Sound Coming from the Heater
If you start to hear a rumbling or popping sound coming from your water heater, it’s an indication that there is excessive pressure building up inside the unit. This happens when sediment accumulates on the bottom of the tank and starts to heat up.
When this happens, it can cause the tank to rupture.
#2 – There is Water Leaking from the Heater
Another sign that your water heater may be about to explode is if you see water leaking from it.
This could mean that there is already too much pressure inside the unit and it’s starting to release some of that pressure through small cracks or leaks in order avoid an explosion. If you see any type of water leakage, call a professional immediately as this is definitely a sign that something isn’t right with your heater.
#3 – The Temperature Gauge is Reading High Temperatures
The last sign that your water heater may be about to explode is if you notice that the temperature gauge is reading extremely high temperatures. Most water heaters have a safety feature built in which shuts off the power if the temperatures get too high, but sometimes this safety feature fails. If you notice high temperatures on the gauge, shut off power to your unit immediately and call a professional as this could be indicative of an impending explosion.
Credit: abcnews.go.com
How Many Water Heaters Explode a Year
According to the National Fire Protection Association, an estimated 5,500 water heaters explode in the United States each year. These explosions are responsible for an estimated 20 deaths and 340 injuries annually. The vast majority of these incidents occur when natural gas or propane-fired water heaters are involved.
Can Water Heater Explode If Turned off
When it comes to your home’s water heater, there are a few things you should know in order to keep your family safe. For instance, did you know that if you turn off your water heater, it can explode?
While this may seem like a far-fetched scenario, it is actually quite possible.
If the water inside the tank is heated to a high enough temperature and then suddenly cooled (by turning off the power or gas), the sudden change can cause the tank to rupture.
Of course, this is not something that happens often – but it is definitely something to be aware of. So if you ever do need to turn off your water heater for any reason, make sure you do so slowly and carefully in order to avoid any accidents.
Water Heater Explosion Warning Signs
If your water heater is over 10 years old, it may be time to start thinking about replacing it. However, even if your water heater is relatively new, there are still some warning signs that you should be aware of which could indicate that an explosion is imminent. Here are four water heater explosion warning signs to watch out for:
1. Leaking Water Heater
If you notice any leaks coming from your water heater, this is a definite sign that something is wrong and that an explosion could be imminent. Be sure to shut off the power to your water heater immediately and call a professional for help.
2. strange Noises Coming from Your Water Heater
If you start hearing strange noises coming from your water heater, such as banging or popping sounds, this could also be a sign that an explosion is about to occur. Again, shut off the power to your water heater right away and call a professional plumber for help.
3. Rust on Your Water Heater Tank
If you notice any rust on the outside of your water heater tank, this means that the tank itself is starting to deteriorate and could potentially explode. If you see rust, call a professional plumber right away so they can replace your water heater before it’s too late.
Conclusion
A water heater explosion can be deadly if the proper precautions aren’t taken. The tank can explode with enough force to destroy a home, and the hot water inside can cause serious burns. Always make sure the area around your water heater is clear of flammable materials, and never store anything on top of the tank.
