Like other home appliances, water heaters have gone “hi-tech” in the past few years. However, just because today’s water heaters have superior safety profiles, they can still lead to serious injury and property damage if they malfunction. True, water heater explosions aren’t common—but they aren’t unheard of.
Just How Bad Is A Water Heater Explosion?
There’s no sugar-coating it: a water heater explosion could cost you your life. If you’re lucky enough to survive this intense blast, there’s a high chance you will suffer severe burns from the scalding hot water. At the very least, a water heater explosion will cause incalculable damage to your property.
Of course, since these units are full of water, they will flood your floor and rugs. Nearby furniture and appliances will also likely be destroyed in the event of a water heater explosion.
We should also note that malfunctioning water heaters could cause carbon monoxide poisoning. Please ensure you have a functioning carbon monoxide detector close to your water heater.
Does Homeowner’s Insurance Cover Water Heater Damage?
Unfortunately, most homeowner’s insurance policies don’t cover water heater explosions. If your plan does have a water heater provision, it will probably only cover water-related damage. Most likely, you will need to pay for a replacement water heater out of pocket.
That being said, many insurance policies offer add-ons for home appliances. Homeowners could also look into “equipment breakdown coverage” that includes water heaters.
So, Who is Responsible if I am Injured in a Water Heater Explosion?
If a water heater failure occurs, causing you or a loved one serious injury or death, you are able to pursue a personal injury claim against the manufacturer (if it was a defect) or the installer (if it was improperly installed) or any other party whose negligence caused the malfunction.
How Could I Tell My Water Heater Needs Service?
There are many potential causes behind a water heater explosion, but most cases result from intense internal pressure. Your water heater should never have a pressure reading above 80 psi. Also, if you notice your heater’s pressure relief valve leaking, that’s a huge red flag something’s going wrong.
In addition to pressure, excessively high temps could contribute to a water heater explosion. Yes, water heaters are designed to handle hot temps, but there’s always a limit. Please never use a small unit to do a big water heater’s job. When choosing a water heater for your home, carefully evaluate how much each person will use and how much heat that unit could handle.
As water heaters age, homeowners should also be mindful of issues like rust and sediment. Remember: sediment insulates heat, which means your water heater has to run for longer to reach your desired temp. If you ever hear a “popcorn-like” noise when using your water heater, there’s a good chance you’ve got way too much sediment in your unit.
Lastly, a water heater could explode due to a gas leak. If this is the case, you’ll probably notice a rotten egg odor in your house. Once you notice this smell, please shut off your water heater and contact a professional for an inspection.
What Can You Do to Prevent Water Heater Explosions?
The easiest way to prevent a catastrophic explosion is to inspect your water heater routinely. Be sure to look for any signs of rust, damage, or leakage at least every few months. You could use a pressure reader to ensure your water heater is below 80 psi.
It’s also a good idea to drain your water heater at least once per year. This simple strategy will keep excess sediment from forming on the bottom of your unit.
Another great safety tip is to lower your water heater’s max temp to 120° F. This is especially important if you have young children at home. Sadly, it’s common for toddlers to suffer accidental burns from hot water temps.
Lastly, if you have any concerns about your water heater, it’s always best to contact a professional ASAP. Only an accredited water heater expert could figure out what’s going wrong with your unit and explain your repair options.
