The Causes of a Water Heater Tank Explosion
With regards to having to undertake servicing on ones water heater, it is a comparatively minimal maintenance appliance. However, one critical aspect of it should be checked out routinely. Hot Water Heater Repair Arlington TX would like to pass on this safety information concerning ones water heater today.
High temperature if merged with tank corrosion inside the storage tank may cause an explosion. Whenever the water temperature is below 212 degrees Fahrenheit, one shall be safe from an explosion, though there is a threat of scalding at that temperature. However, if the water temperature is over 212 degrees, water transforms into steam, which will expand to 1,700 times the space it occupies as water. This is when an explosion can happen.
Warning Indicators of a Water Heater Explosion
The leading sign is if one goes to get hot water from a faucet and only steam comes out. Promptly turn off electric power if one has an electric water heater. If one owns a gas hot water heater, turn off the gas valve going to the water heater. And then, give us a call to come assess the situation.
Minimizing Potential Water Heater Dangers
The most crucial routine maintenance activity with a water heater is to examine the pressure relief valve, also referred to as the T&P valve, on a usual basis. This valve helps regulate the pressure accumulation within the water storage tank to avert a threatening increase in temperature and overpressure.
Warning!
Be careful, the water discharge out of a T&P valve might be really hot. If you do not feel at ease examining the valve let us know. In addition, doing any type of fixes to the valve ought to be performed by a expert plumbing repair business.
How to Test the T&P Valve
Remove anything from around the area around the overflow pipe and floor drain.
Raise the test handle for roughly 5 seconds or until the water runs clear.
Release the handle.
If the T&P valve continues to run with water, raise the handle up and down rapidly to have it reseat itself. One might have to do this a handful of times. IF it has not been tested for a while, it might be difficult to raise it at first. Avoid using an excessive amount of force, however could need to utilize a little.
If the T&P valve continues to have water coming out, it should be changed.
Some other things to watch out for are rust on the stem of the valve. If there is any water leaking out of the valve stem or from the drain valve.
Seeking far more hints? Have a look at our other articles here:
Water Heater Maintenance Infographic
Related T&P Valve Testing Videos
Mythbusters did a test of the potential dangers of hot water heater explosions here:
What the Experts Say
- The discharge from a T&P valve can be very hot. It is very important that all T&P valves be installed properly with a discharge line piped downward to an adequate drain to avoid property damage and to minimize possible human contact.
Read more…
If the temperature in your heater remains high after you turn down the thermostat, the thermostat may be faulty. Consult a professional for repair. Read more…
Pressure relief valves sometime develop a drip when opened for the first time in years. Try opening and closing it a few times to see if it will seat itself. If you have a large leak or the drip doesn’t stop on its own in a day or two, the valve will need to be replaced. Read more…
Check out some of our other water heater tips in our blog
Eliminating Water Heater Odors in Your Arlington Home
Are you experiencing a problem with foul odors coming from the water originating from your water heater? It happens at times for a few various reasons. Here is what Water Heater Repair Arlington TX suggests to do to make sure your...
Best Water Heater Temperature Level
An element about ones water heater of which many Arlington homeowners has likely definitely not considered a lot concerning is the temperature setting. What is the perfect temperature level for the hot water in ones family home? In this post Water Heater Repair...
Total Water Heater Maintenance Tasks
Water Heater Repair Arlington TX is not about to discuss the unlucky reports concerning water heater maintenance of "getting up to the freezing bath," here. In addition, we shall presume that one knows the straightforward notion of ensuring ones water heater is...