When it comes to the water heaters of the house, a little maintenance is enough for the long run. But, without maintenance, your water heater can show various problems, and sometimes things might not be in your favor, and your water heater might explode. Therefore, it is essential to know the signs your water heater is going to explode!
The 5 Signs Your Water Heater is Going to Explode
Let’s go for 5 complete discussions. Here are below:
1. Lack of Hot Water
Are you getting lukewarm water while showering? Does your water heater take a long time to warm the water? Are you getting hot water from the tap immediately? If any of these symptoms are showing together or alone, your water heater lacks hot water. These are the most common signs of such a problem.
Most regular water heaters contain 30 to 50 gallons of water storage tank. When the water is heated by an electric source or gas, the minerals of water separate and settle at the bottom of the tank, with time, these minerals from the water get accumulated at the bottom and make a barrier. This barrier works as an obstacle between the water and the burner. Therefore, enough heat cannot reach the water, and as a result, you get cold water during a shower.
The more sediment is, the harder the water heater tank needs to work for heating the water. Eventually, the water heater will either fail or explore. Even if it does not explode, it will leak and result in a costly water bill. In such a situation, you will not have any other way to replace it.
The Solution:
You can solve it by scheduling the annual flushing of your water heater tank. If you live in a locality of hard water, then you should invest in water conditioning to keep the water heater running at the most efficient level.
2. Pooping or Rumbling Noise
Another common sign is the noises coming out of the heater. If you notice that your water heater is making creaking, popping, or even rumbling noises then, it is the right time you call the nearest plumbing company. Mineral buildup and hard water are also responsible for the sounds coming out of your water heater. A specific popping noise comes out when the mineral forms a layer on the water heater’s surface. This is another sign that your water heater has some issues. The sound is the result of pockets of air in the deposited sediment layer that boils along with the water in the tank.
The Solution:
If the water heater is still making such noises, then this is one of the prominent signs hot water heater is failing and you need to flush out the sediment from the tank. But, if flushing out the sediment does not work then, your water heater has severe issues with the main unit. The noises coming out of the water heater are alarming, and it denotes that the heater is on the verge of bursting, leaking, or cracking. To save yourself from the high cost of replacing, it is best to see a plumbing company as soon as possible.
3. Cloudy Water
Is cloudy water coming out of your water heater? Is there a metallic scent in the water? Does the water taste funky? Funky-smelling, murky water is an important sign of a failing water heater. The mineral is traveling throughout the heater and as a result, clouding up the hot water of your tank. Again, if the water coming out of the heater is reddish or orangish then, it shows that the tank or the pipes are rusty. You need to take off this as soon as possible.
The Solution:
If the rusty or cloudy water is bothering you then, you need to replace the pipes or the tank as soon as possible. Although rusty water does not cause any health issues, with time you need to pay a large amount of money for the water heater replacement.
4. The Faulty or Leaking Pressure Relief Valve
There are two significant symptoms when it comes to the pressure relief valve is the pressure life valve of your water heater leaking? Or, does the hot water stops flowing through the valve while you are testing it? If the scenario is like any of the above then, you need to replace the water heater quickly.
The TRP valve releases the accumulated pressure in the heater when the temperature or the pressure gets severely high to prevent a possible explosion. With continuous use, the rust, corrosion, and salt will start to build up causing the valve to fail and stop functioning or result in a broken water heater.
This can cause catastrophic damage if not taken care of at the right time. This will not just result in property damage but also personal injury as well.
The Solution:
For testing the TRP calve, lower and raise the test lever a couple of times so that it lifts the brass stem that is fastened to the valve. The hot water will then rush out from the end of the drainpipe. In case, there is no water coming out of the pipe; you need to see a professional plumber. The plumber will place the valve and make sure that there is not malfunctioning.
5. Leaking Tank Water
Is there a pool of water under the water tank? Corrosion within the water tank can cause several cracks and fractures. If not taken into account then, this can lead to a water heater explosion. In some cases, it can even flood your entire home.
The Solution:
If the tank leak is severe then, you need to turn off the water supply of the house immediately. This is a temporary fix. Only a plumber can help you in such a situation.
So contact a plumber to fix the crack as soon as possible.
Pro Tip:
We often don’t understand but it is very important to check on your water heater at least twice a year. A lot of plumbing companies offer affordable water heater maintenance services. You can go through YouTube videos and check on the heater all by yourself but it is always better to take professional help.
These are the signs your water heater is going to explode. Hence, you need to contact the nearest plumbing company as soon as possible. They will quickly replace and repair the water heater before any disaster strikes.