CAN MY WATER HEATER BE DANGEROUS? WHAT CAN I DO TO KEEP MY HOME/OFFICE SAFE?
The answer is simple… YES, IT CAN BE DANGEROUS!!
A water heater is a giant time bomb with the potential to blow up. Explosions are rare but when they do happen, they can be devastating.
Look at this video for examples of what could happen in your home or office. WATER HEATER EXPLOSION.
Typically a residential hot water heater lasts between 6 and 13 years. A commercial heater can last 20-plus years with proper maintenance. While rare, residential water heater explosions do occur and can be deadly. Explosions are possible with both gas and electric tank water heaters.
Reasons Why a Water Heater can Explode
The main reason why water heaters explode is too much pressure. However, there are more culprits, such as a poor anode rod, a faulty pressure relief valve, and a lack of water. A hot water heater explosion can lead to death, physical injury, and severe property damage.
What Happens if my Water Heater Breaks?
Depending on where the water heater is located, leaking and pooling water could severely harm floors, walls, furniture, and belongings. If a water heater bursts, you could be looking at 50 gallons of water in your basement, laundry room, or garage.
How do I Protect My Home & Family?
Prevention –
1) The Right Temp
Keep your hot water heater at 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Keeping a safe temperature is very important.
2) Flush the Tank Annually
If your tank hasn’t been flushed in a few years or has never been flushed, you need to take care of it as soon as possible. A dirty water heater tank does more than affect the flavor and color of your water. The sediment that builds up in your water heater can cause a pressure build-up to occur. You should flush your water tank once a year. If you continue to notice sediment in your water or your tank makes unusual sounds talk to your plumber about a replacement.
3) Replace Components Before they Fail
If you’re like most people, you put off repairs until you’re faced with a malfunction. If you postpone repairs on your water heater, you could end up with a ruptured tank. Where your water heater is concerned, you need to replace worn-out components before they malfunction altogether.
What Needs To Be Replaced?
Here are two components that need to be replaced as soon as you experience problems with them.
1) Thermostat
If you’re not able to maintain an adequate supply of hot water, or the temperature fluctuates continually, you need to replace the thermostat right away. A faulty thermostat can cause your water heater to burst, especially once the temperature of the water gets too hot.
2) Anode Rod
Your water heater has an anode rod inside the tank that’s responsible for the prevention of rust and corrosion. Once the anode rod wears out, your tank will corrode at a rapid rate. If you don’t replace the faulty anode rod, the corrosion will increase the chances of a rupture inside the tank.
How Can I Get Help?
Being aware and taking the proper precautions to maintain your hot water heater, will save you ALOT of money & a lifetime of heartache.
Call Veteran Plumbing for all maintenance, repair, and replacement on your hot water heater.
We offer the most honest and reliable services. Along with competitive, money-saving deals.
Veteran Plumbing
info@veteranplumbing.us
703-791-1339
