You’ve heard the tales, but yet, you still wonder if water heater explosions are real thing. In short, hot water heaters can and do explode. Does this mean you have to be worried about your place going up in flames unexpectedly? No, especially with the right knowledge and water heater care.
Continue below to learn which conditions can cause a hot water heater to explode, plus how you can prevent any water heater problems in your home, including catastrophic explosions.

Facts About Hot Water Heater Explosions
Hot water heaters use a fuel source to operate, which is a combustion hazard in itself. But there is a lot more that can make these critical appliances turn into an explosive device. Although there are number of reasons why a water heater can spontaneously burst into flames or even explode, the most common causes behind water heater explosions include rise in internal temperature, rise in pressure, and gas leaks. Of course, gas leak hazards are only an issue for gas powered water heaters. Electric water heaters and tankless water heaters are also prone to explosion or combustion, but in very rare cases.
Why Do Water Heaters Explode?
Tank Pressure
Hot water heaters generate a massive amount of pressure through the process of converting water into steam. In turn, steam causes the volume of water to increase, which builds even more pressure within the tank. Without proper care and maintenance, hot water heaters can experience internal malfunctions that inhibit their ability to withstand or prevent rising pressure. As a result of a pressure imbalance, the tank can rupture and explode.
Gas Leaks
Gas-powered water heaters are subject to fuel line damages. For this reason, it is critical to provide optimal maintenance and care for gas-powered water heaters, plus keep them secured and protected year round. If the fuel lines connected to the water heater are damaged, it is possible for gas to leak out and form localized puddles inside and/or around the unit. When the pilot light flicks on, it can create an immediate explosion, just as if you were to throw gasoline into a fire.
How to Prevent Your Water Heater From Becoming a Danger
You never want to let a hot water heater sit for too long without giving it any attention. Not only should you be performing routine water heater checks yourself, but you should also be hiring a water heater repair and service technician to perform annual maintenance on your unit. Routine water heater maintenance and inspection is necessary to prevent your water heater from experiencing any problems, including becoming a catastrophic hazard. Talk to an experienced Indianapolis water heater plumber for help creating an effective water heater maintenance plan for your home or office.
Are you convinced that it’s time to schedule your annual water heater inspection? Well, you’re in the right place! Contact Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for Indianapolis Indiana plumbing services for water heaters, today. We provide residential and commercial plumbing services all throughout Central Indiana.
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