It might sound scary, but your Pompano Beach, FL, water heater can explode. Fortunately, it should give you many indicators before an explosion occurs, so that you can avoid a major mess. Call the team at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing to help you right away if you have any reason to believe that your water heater may be getting close to exploding.
What Are the Warning Signs of an Impending Water Heater Explosion?
If your water heater’s internal temperature becomes too high for it to contain, it’ll cause increased pressure until the unit eventually explodes. This is more common when your water heater has a rusty body, but it’s always vital to pay attention to any of the following danger signs.
1. An Open T&P Valve
The T&P valve on your water heater is how it deals with increases of pressure or temperature. Whenever the pressure or temperature becomes too high, your T&P valve will open itself. Once the problem is resolved, the valve automatically closes. If you notice that your T&P valve is permanently opened, it’s a warning sign that you can’t afford to ignore. Be sure to contact Benjamin Franklin Plumbing for professional assistance.
2. Pressure Valve is Leaking
Your water heater’s pressure valve is how it regulates pressure and heat. Therefore, if your pressure valve begins to leak, it’s a very bad sign. Essentially, any leakage is caused when the pressure valve is unable to properly regulate itself. If you let this go for too long, you could come home to a flooded house due to an explosion.
3. Odd Internal Noises
Any time you begin to notice gurgling or whistling sounds, it’s an indication of improper flushing. When your water heater isn’t able to fully flush itself, it’ll develop a thick layer of water sediment inside the tank. As a result, the temperature and pressure will begin to rise. If this process is left unchecked, it could end up exploding. Also, if you notice your water heater is hissing, this is another sign that something could be wrong.
Smells Like a Rotten Egg
The smell of rotten eggs is quite noxious, so this is one warning sign you shouldn’t be able to miss. This smell is caused by a sulfur leak. Aside from causing your home to stink, it can also become extremely dangerous if it comes in contact with a flame. If you notice the smell of rotten eggs coming from your water heater, you should immediately contact a professional plumber for assistance. Do not wait!
Unclean or Brown Water
Noticing brown or unclear water coming from your water heater is something you should take seriously. It provides an indication that there is sediment trapped inside the water heater. Unless you get this sediment cleaned out, it can eventually lead to an explosion.
Improper Installation
When a water heater has been improperly installed, it can lead to several serious issues. First, it could cause pressure issues inside the tank. Even worse, it might cause a gas leak. Therefore, if you have any reason to suspect that your water heater might not have been properly installed, it’s best to call a professional plumber and have them check it out. Not only will this give you peace of mind but it might also help you avoid an explosion.
How Can I Prevent a Water Heater Explosion?
Having hot water is necessary, even in Pompano Beach in the middle of summer. You should take steps to steer clear of a water heater emergency, especially an explosion. There are four easy-to-follow tips that can help you keep your water heater working properly.
1. Proper Temperature Maintenance
Keep an eye on your water heater’s internal temperature. It should remain between 120 and 125 degrees at all times. Any cooler, and it won’t provide enough hot water for your daily needs. Any hotter, and the pressure will increase until it explodes.
2. Regular Water Heater Service
Did you know that it’s important to ensure that your water heater is cleaned annually? This is the best way to prevent the accumulation of harmful sediment layers. By cleaning it once a year, you’ll be able to catch some of the issues that could lead to an explosion. Call a professional plumber to make sure it stays in good shape.
3. Check for a Functional Pressure Valve
Stay on top of performing regular checks on your pressure valve. You could do this when you change your smoke detector batteries, for instance. During each check, take the time to make sure that everything seems to be operating properly. If you notice any potential issues, have a Pompano Beach plumber come replace your valve with a new one.
4. Call a Licensed Professional
Does your chosen plumber have a license? Be sure to verify this when you first begin using them. That way, you’ll know that they have the necessary credentials to take care of any plumbing issues that might arise.
Pompano Beach’s Punctual Plumber
When your water heater has problems, you don’t want to have to wait forever for a plumber. Instead, contact the punctual plumbers at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing. We’ll show up quickly and address any problems you might have. Our team can also provide preventative maintenance to help you avoid any catastrophic issues in the future!