Could your boiler explode?

Not to alarm homeowners unnecessarily, but it is critical that you know that your water can…explode. Sorry to worry you, but it’s true. Your boiler is a reliable workhorse in your home that provides your sanitary facilities with a constant supply of hot water in all seasons. But if something goes wrong with your unit, things can really go wrong, sometimes with explosive consequences.

Not to blow things out of proportion, as the phenomenon is relatively uncommon – especially in modern units, which have improved failsafe mechanisms – and you’re unlikely to experience a rocket-like launch through your roof, as in a episode of TV series “MythBusters” in 2007 – but a water heater explosion poses a major hazard, so knowing how to keep yours from becoming a ticking time bomb is a must, HomeServe reports.

Can a boiler explode?

The risk of such an explosion increases if you do not maintain your device properly or ignore common warning signs. Generally, these explosions occur when the temperature in your water heater exceeds the safe limit, increasing the pressure in the tank and potentially causing it to burst.

During a water heater explosion, your appliance will likely release significant amounts of boiling water and steam into your home. An explosion could cause serious injury, such as burns, to anyone near the device.

Injuries are not the only potential danger. Water released from the tank can cause serious damage to floors, walls and other elements of your home. The force of the explosion can also damage your furniture and personal belongings.

Explosions from a gas boiler can be particularly dangerous because they can damage the gas line leading to the appliance, leading to a gas leak. Gas leaks increase the risk of home fires and can cause physical complaints such as dizziness and nausea.

What Causes Explosions in Water Heaters?

The most common cause of a water heater blowing is rust in the appliance. Rust prevents water and heat from circulating properly through your system, leading to pressure buildup. Installing your water heater incorrectly can also cause pressure problems and increase the risk of an explosion. So hiring a professional plumber to install a new water heater is essential.

Rust in your appliance is challenging for a layman to diagnose, but some common warning signs can indicate a buildup of rust and sediment in your system. You can reduce your risk of an explosion by scheduling an inspection with a qualified professional if you notice one or more of the following problems:

• Leaking or constantly open pressure relief valve
• Hissing, banging or rattling sounds come from the device
• Discolored water
• There is an unpleasant, rotten egg odor coming from your water heater or fixtures

How to prevent explosions

Hiring a professional to inspect and clean your water heater at least once a year can help you catch and fix problems before they become more serious. Running your water heater at the correct temperature can also prevent dangerous pressure from building up; the EPA generally recommends 120 degrees Fahrenheit, but also consider the manufacturer’s instructions for your specific unit. Consult your owner’s manual or ask your plumber to determine the optimal temperature for your water heater make and model. To avoid potentially dangerous mistakes, make sure anyone you hire to install or maintain your water heater is properly licensed.

What to do if the worst happens

If your water heater explodes, seek immediate medical attention if anyone has suffered burns or scalds. Turning off the water supply can prevent costly water damage to your home. Once the faucet is safely accessible, turn the valve clockwise to prevent more water from flowing into your appliance.

Then turn off the electrical power to your water heater at the circuit breaker panel. The water released in an explosion can cause an electrical fire if it comes into contact with the electrical elements of your appliance. If you have a gas water heater, prevent gas from escaping into your home by closing the emergency shutoff valve.

Finally, make an emergency call to a plumber to repair any damage and replace the faulty appliance. Do not go near the faulty appliance or attempt to clean up standing water until your contractor tells you it is safe to do so.

You can clean smaller leaks by soaking up standing water with old rags or towels and placing fans or dehumidifiers in the affected room to aid drying. However, you may need to hire a specialized restoration company to repair major water damage.

This story was produced by HomeServe and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.

RELATED CONTENT: Head’s Plumbing is a family-owned business that just revitalized a shelter in Atlanta