Can a Hot Water Heater Really Explode?

Posted on July 22, 2022 by weilhammerplumbing

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.

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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.

Best Suggestions for Hot Water Heater Problems

Posted on May 5, 2022 by weilhammerplumbing

It’s really hard to live without the luxury and convenience of hot water. So, when your hot water heater starts to show signs of malfunctioning, it’s important to start troubleshooting the underlying issue right away. Continue reading to learn the best suggestions for solving a hot water heater problem, plus who to trust in Indianapolis for affordable emergency water heater repair services.

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Water Heater Problems and Solutions

Water heaters are not the complex appliances you might assume them to be. In most cases, you are likely capable of diagnosing the problem on your own. Other times, it is necessary to hire a licensed and insured water heater company in Indianapolis to inspect and diagnose your hot water issues. The first step in identifying a water heater problem is determining how the problem is presenting itself. The way in which your water heater problem presents itself will give you clues as to what the underlying issue is within the appliance.

The most common water heater problems include lack of hot water, no hot water, hot water, taking too long to heat up, odorous water, and discolored water. A noisy water heater is another common indicator of a problem.

Lack of Hot Water

If you’ve noticed that your hot water just isn’t as hot as it used to be, start by checking your water heater temperature gauge. It is recommended for safety reasons to keep your water heater temperature under 120°F. Anything above this can pose risks of scalding or burn accidents. If your water heater temperature setting is below hundred and 10°, it could have been nudged over, thus causing the reduced heat of your water.

If your water is hot enough but just doesn’t last as long as it used to, you might have a water heater that is too small for your residence. This often happens when you get new roommates or occupants in the home. If you don’t have new occupants in the home, you could have a water heater leak.

If your water is too hot, again, check the temperature settings. It might’ve been nudged over in the wrong direction, thus causing the temperatures increase.

Zero Hot Water

If your hot water has disappeared completely, it is generally suggestive of a damaged heating element or problem with the water heater’s power source. It could just be a tripped circuit breaker. Other times, the tank simply runs out of hot water due to over-consumption, and simply needs time to refill.

Smelly or Discolored Water

If your hot water smells like rotten eggs, your water heater could have a buildup of bacteria and other contaminants, causing the production of sulfur. If your hot water has more of a seasoned or garlicky smell, your pilot light might’ve burned out.

If your hot water has a rusty color or looks dirty, you could have a buildup of rust and sediment within the water heater tank. In this case, you would want to outsource water heater flushing service. This might involve replacing a corroded anode rod.

Noisy Water Heater

If you’re hearing your water heater makes strange or loud noises, it could be an indication that it requires maintenance. If your water heater is between 8 and 10 years old, it might need to be replaced entirely. If your water heater is fairly new or still middle-aged, you can pinpoint the issue by listening to the type of noise. Clanking metal noises could be due to the metal constituents within the tank contracting and expanding. Dripping noises are indicative of a leak, while sounds of boiling water are generally indicative of overheated interior components.

Would you like a professional to take a look at your water heater? Contact Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for affordable hot water repair and water heater services in Indianapolis, Indiana. We serve residential and commercial clients.

How to Make Sure Your Water Heater is Set for Winter

Posted on January 28, 2021 by weilhammerplumbing

It may have taken a little while longer than winters’ past, but here in Indiana, the cold seasonal weather is finally upon us, and it doesn’t seem to be going anywhere anytime soon. This has many Hoosiers dashing to get their homes and businesses prepared for the winter ahead. Everything from storm drains and furnaces, to doors, windows, outdoor plumbing connections, and more, are all on the typical Hoosier’s seasonal To-Do list. But what many tend to leave off this important checklist is the water heater. During the peak of winter, you do not want to be left without hot water, especially if you have young children or elderly ones to cater to.

Continue reading to learn what you need to know about routine water heater maintenance, including how to ensure your hot water is set for the Indiana winter season.

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Water Heater Inspections are Vital in Winter

Water heaters are known to break down the most during the coldest parts of the winter. A combination of the extreme climate and harsh elements can cause a long list of things to go wrong in a hot water heater, eventually causing it to perform poorly, or fail entirely. Common water heater repair calls in the wintertime include water heater bursts and water heater leaks. You see, your water heater has a cylindrical tank that stores heated water.

As you use your hot water in the home, the water heater depletes its reserves, and then pulls in cold water from outside to replenish. In the winter, it is colder, which means the water coming into your water heater is even colder than usual. As a result, the water heater must work harder to keep up with the hot water demand. If your water heater is old, between 7 and 8 years, it could have rusty parts that are not allowing it to perform as efficiently.

If your water heater is in an non-insulated area, like a garage, the air surrounding it makes the water even cooler, causing the unit to work longer to heat it on demand. Furthermore, factor in the surplus of water usage during the holidays when family and friends come to visit. All of these factors require a water heater to work continuously, which can lead to problems if it is not in tip-top shape before these winter factors become relevant.

Avoid Water Heater Breakdowns and Repairs

By having your water heater inspected and serviced prior to the harshest point of winter, you will avoid potential breakdowns, and costly damages and disasters, such as water leaks and floods. Start each season off with a full water heater inspection to check off on its efficiency, performance, and safety. For those with gas water heaters, you do not want to potentially face a water heater explosion accident, either. It is strongly encouraged to hire a licensed Indianapolis plumber for professional home plumbing inspections for water heaters. However, you can do a preliminary inspection on your own before you call a professional.

Here’s How to Inspect a Water Heater:

Look all around the outside of the water heater. Take note of any rusting, corrosion, or leaking. Also look for dents or ruptures of any kind.

Locate the installation date on the outside of the water heater tank. Take note of the age. If your unit is older than 7 or 8 years, it is in the zone for replacement.

Consider doing a water heater flush to drain and remove sediment inside the tank. Be sure to only do this if you have experience with this type of water heater service, or someone with experience who can assist you.

Tankless Water Heaters

If you have a tankless water heater, your seasonal To-Do checklist will look a little different, but you will still need to have your unit inspected routinely, especially prior to winter, to ensure it is ready to perform efficiently. Outdoor tankless water heaters will need to have proper insulation installed around the pipes.

Professional Water Heater Repair Services in Indianapolis, Indiana

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 for free estimates, advice, and information regarding Indianapolis hot water heater service, anytime. Not only are we state-licensed master plumbers who specialize in water heater repair and service, we gladly provide recommendations and advice. Whether residential or commercial, we can provide all the water heater services you need. Contact us today for free advice on choosing a water heater, or to schedule service for your home or office!