Can An Electric Water Heater Explode

Here are a few signs your water heater will give before going burst.

Can an electric water heater explode. Every model operates in a slightly different way however all water heaters function using the same basic principles. Both gas and electric water heaters have an equal risk of exploding. As you can imagine this isn t exactly healthy for the structural integrity of your home. Exploding heaters can shoot up like a rocket piercing right through your home s roof and landing several blocks away.

Proper maintenance and replacing the water heater when issues or leaks start occurring on a frequent basis are both good ways to prevent a major explosion. How an electric water heater works in an electric water heater a thermostat that is mounted on the inside water tank that holds the water senses the temperature that is present normally to 120 125 degrees. Before we cover some of the most common causes that can lead to your water heater exploding we ll first touch on how they work. Signs your water heater is about to explode.

Water heater explosions are rare but when they do happen they can be devastating. Do not wait for a catastrophe. Here s a 1 minute video of what a water heater burst can do to your home this disaster is one of the top five sources of residential water damage according to the insurance institute for business and home safety ibhs leading to an average of 4 444 per incident after the deductible was paid. As water heats up it turns into gas.

Other factors will play a bigger role in causing a water heater to explode not only the power. Can an electric water heater explode. However if you follow all the necessary precautions mentioned in this article most of the problems that cause the tank to explode can be prevented. Brown water can also suggest rust or sediment buildup as will pings in the pipes.

They cannot stand the idea of having a time bomb in their bathroom. Take a look at the video below for a demonstration of just how severe a gas or electric water heater explosion can be. Leaking pressure relief valve. If the temperature is set too high or the pressure relief valve of a water heater malfunctions a water heater can explode.

There are two main types of water heaters. The gas content of water heaters is a fire hazard but the electric coils found on electric water heaters are also the same. How to prevent a water heater explosion. Inspect your t p valve traditional storage tank style water heaters have a t p temperature and pressure valve that releases excess pressure and keeps your water heater from becoming a bomb.

However even if your water heater doesn t explode improper installation can cause many other costly problems as well. With higher temperatures and too much water pressure rust and sediment built up inside the tank then the water heater is at a risk for an explosion. This can happen with a gas or electric hot water heater. Can water heater explode is a question that scares most people.

The pressure relief valve is usually located at the top of heater on the side.