Water Heater Repair: 7 Warning Signs That Your Heater May Explode | Conway, SC

1/20/2022

Photo By WhiteBarbie at Shutterstock

Water heaters are an essential part of our daily lives. They are the source of hot water that we use in our kitchens and bathrooms. It is essential to take proper care and have regular maintenance for your water heater to keep running effectively. However, water heaters run the risk of flooding, leaking, and exploding.

Although rare, water heater explosions do occur, and they are hazardous. Water heater explosions are possible for electric and gas tank water heaters due to poor maintenance and ignored water heater repair.

Reasons Why Your Water Heater May Explode

High pressure and temperatures can lead to water heater explosions. Units are typically equipped with safety mechanisms to prevent these excessive levels, but sometimes malfunctions occur, resulting in an explosion. When the water heater temperature is consistently set too high, the expansion of water increases pressure in the tank. Most tanks have sediment gathered at the bottom, which also influences temperature increase to exponential levels.

Corrosion of metal components and rust affects the unit’s performance and interferes with pressure regulation. Normally, the system has a relief pressure valve that allows excess pressure to escape the tank. If the unit malfunctions, pressure accumulates until the tank can no longer hold it. If you suspect your water heater isn’t functioning at peak condition, contact a water heater repair company.

Signs Your Water Heater Is Going to Explode

Since the damages involved with water heater explosions are catastrophic, it is crucial to be aware of the signs that your water heater will blow. Suppose you notice any of the following signs below, kindly reach out to a professional water heater company:

Rotten egg smell

Since the gas we use in our homes isn’t odorless, we can tell when there is a leak. Leaking gas characteristically smells like sulfur or rotten eggs. Natural gas and propane have an unpleasant smell, like rotten eggs or sulfur. The awful smell you can detect is ethanethiol. Gas companies add propane and natural gas to make carbon monoxide gas easily detectable.

If you suspect that your unit is leaking gas, you should immediately switch off the appliance and contact a water heater expert to check out the problem.

Popping Noise

Is your water producing popping, rumbling, and creaking noises? Contact a water heater repair expert immediately once you hear such noises. The accumulation of sediments and minerals accompanied by hard water are often the culprits of the unusual noise.

Specifically, a popping sound will be produced from the water heater when minerals coat the surface of the unit. This is a clear sign that your unit has a problem. A creaking or rumbling noise signifies that you should flush out sediment from your water heater tank. Ultimately, weird sounds coming from your water heater are a sign that your water heater is on the brink of leaking, cracking, or bursting.

Cloudy water

If your water heater is producing cloudy water that tastes metallic or is smelly, it is a sign that the appliance is failing. The mineral deposits at the bottom of the tank often circulate through the device and cloud the water coming from your faucets.

If the water from your taps and faucet is colored red or orange, it means that the tank and pipes have become rusty. Colored water is a hazard to your health, and you need to immediately contact a water heater repair expert to fix the problem.

Malfunctioning Temperature and Pressure Relief Valve (TPR)

The TPR valve is responsible for releasing pressure build-up in your unit when the temperature and pressure get extremely high to avert a potential explosion. A failed TPR valve may lead to a catastrophe if it isn’t replaced by a water heater repair expert in a timely fashion. It can also cause water to go above the boiling point, making the water tank explode.

To avoid this, test the valve by lifting and lowering the lever a couple of times. This helps detach the brass stem allowing the hot water to come out. If no water comes out, you need to consult a water heater repair expert about replacing it. It is advisable to have a Conway, SC professional water heater expert inspect it yearly.

Leaking Tank Water

Water pooling below your unit is a sign that your water heater has cracks and fractures. Therefore, you need to repair your leaking appliance immediately. If the leak is significant, quickly switch off the water supply to your home. This is only a temporary solution, and you need to contact a professional water heater repair expert.

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Carbon monoxide is odorless and colorless, meaning you can neither smell nor see them. Some companies use ethanethiol to make it easier to recognize, while others don’t. Unfortunately, carbon monoxide can lead to death. Always contact your water heater repair company to investigate unusual smells to avoid endangering yourself and your loved ones.

Common signs of carbon monoxide leaking include

• Chest pain
• Fainting
• Breathing problems
• Weakness
• Vomiting
• Dizziness
• Blurry vision
• Headache
• Confusion

Once you notice any unusual smells, get out of the house immediately and breathe fresh air. Immediately contact a water heater repair expert.

No Hot Water

Sufficient hot water is a sign that your water heater is functioning optimally. A lack of enough hot water signifies that your heater is failing. As the electric source heats water, minerals accumulate at the base of the tank. Over time, the minerals form a barrier between the water and burner. As such, sufficient heat doesn’t reach the water making the water run cold during your bath. The more sediment accumulates, the harder your appliance must heat the water, thereby consuming more energy. Eventually, the unit will stop working or explode.

At Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Myrtle Beach, we are the leading water heating installation and repair in Conway, SC. Our professional water heating repair and installation experts can resolve your heating problems and address your heating needs. We serve both the residential and commercial sectors. Get in touch with us today for more information about our services.