Burst Hot Water Heater: Causes, Prevention, and What To Do Next

Is your hot water heater acting up? Are you worried about the possibility of it bursting? A burst hot water heater can cause significant water damage, disrupt your daily routine, and lead to expensive repairs. 

It's crucial to understand the causes of a burst hot water heater, how to prevent such disasters, and know what steps to take if it happens.

In this blog, we’ll dive into everything you need to know about a burst hot water heater. From the key causes to preventative maintenance, we’ll ensure you’re prepared to handle any potential issues before they get out of hand.

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What Causes a Hot Water Heater to Burst?

Understanding the causes of a hot water heater burst is the first step in preventing the problem. 

Here are the most common reasons:

1. Excessive Pressure

Excessive pressure is a leading cause of a burst water heater. Over time, the temperature and pressure relief valve (T&P valve) can malfunction or fail, causing the internal pressure to rise too high. This puts excessive strain on the tank, which may eventually result in it rupturing.

• High Water Pressure: The pressure in your home’s plumbing system can also contribute to an over-pressurised water heater.
  
  
• Faulty T&P Valve: If your T&P valve is broken, it won't release the pressure, leading to potential failure.
  
  

2. Sediment Buildup

Sediment buildup in your water heater can lead to a burst. As minerals from hard water settle at the bottom of the tank, they form a thick layer that insulates the water from the heating element. This can cause the tank to overheat and eventually weaken, leading to a rupture.

3. Corrosion

Corrosion, often accelerated by the lack of maintenance or worn-out anode rods, is another leading cause. When your water heater’s components rust, the structural integrity of the tank is compromised, making it more likely to burst. In hard water areas, the process of corrosion can happen much faster due to mineral deposits.

4. Improper Installation

An incorrectly installed water heater can easily result in problems down the road, including excessive pressure, leaks, or heating inefficiency. Proper installation ensures that your water heater works efficiently and safely for many years.

How to Prevent a Burst Hot Water Heater

Preventing a burst hot water heater involves regular maintenance and a proactive approach. Here are some preventative measures you can take to avoid the headache and damage of a burst:

1. Regular Tank Flushing

Flushing the tank once a year helps remove sediment buildup that can lead to overheating and eventual tank failure. Sediment can settle at the bottom, causing the heater to work harder and reducing its lifespan.

2. Check the Anode Rod

The anode rod prevents corrosion by attracting minerals and rust. Over time, the rod will corrode and need replacement. A worn-out anode rod can lead to rust formation inside the tank. Inspecting and replacing it regularly is vital for hot water heater prevention.

3. Install a Pressure Relief Valve

The pressure relief valve is designed to release excess pressure, which can prevent the tank from bursting. Make sure your pressure relief valve is properly installed, functioning correctly, and tested regularly.

4. Monitor the Water Temperature

Set your thermostat to around 120°F (49°C) to prevent overheating and excessive pressure buildup inside the tank. If the temperature is set too high, the risk of a burst increases.

5. Regular Maintenance Inspections

Schedule an annual inspection with a professional plumber to ensure everything is functioning correctly. Regular maintenance checks can help detect problems early, such as leaks, corrosion, and faulty valves.

What to Do When a Hot Water Heater Bursts?

Despite all preventative measures, things can still go wrong. If your hot water heater bursts, it’s essential to act quickly to minimise damage. 

Here’s what you should do:

1. Shut Off the Water Supply

The first step is to turn off the cold water supply valve. This will prevent more water from entering the tank and causing further damage. If you can't find the valve, shut off your home’s main water supply.

2. Turn Off the Power

For electric heaters, switch off the breaker at the electrical panel to prevent electrical hazards. For gas heaters, turn off the gas supply to the tank.

3. Drain the Remaining Hot Water

Use a garden hose attached to the drain valve of your hot water heater to safely drain the remaining water from the tank. Direct the water to a suitable drainage area.

4. Contact a Professional Plumber

A licensed plumber will need to assess the situation. They can repair or replace the burst tank, ensuring the installation is done correctly to avoid future issues.

5. Document the Damage

Take photos of the damage caused by the burst, including the affected areas or belongings. This will be helpful for your insurance claim.

6. Begin Cleanup

Use a wet-vac to remove standing water, and run fans or a dehumidifier to dry out the area. This helps prevent mould growth and further water damage.

Conclusion: Secure Your Hot Water Heater with Sewer Surgeon

A burst hot water heater can cause major disruptions in your life, but understanding its causes and taking the necessary steps to prevent it can help you avoid this disaster. 

Regular maintenance, flushing, and monitoring are key to ensuring that your hot water system stays in top condition.

At Sewer Surgeon, we offer plumbing services that help you prevent issues like a burst hot water heater. Our team of experienced professionals is ready to assist with inspections, repairs, and replacements to keep your plumbing systems running smoothly.

Call Sewer Surgeon today at 1300 734 677 to schedule an appointment and secure your home from a burst hot water heater!

FAQs

What to do when a hot water heater bursts?

When a hot water heater bursts, immediately turn off the water and power supply. Drain the remaining water, contact a plumber, and document any damage for insurance purposes.

How to prevent a water heater explosion?

Regular maintenance, flushing the tank, testing the pressure relief valve, and monitoring the temperature can prevent a water heater explosion.

How to do preventive maintenance on a hot water heater?

Preventive maintenance involves annual flushing, checking the anode rod, inspecting the pressure relief valve, and ensuring the thermostat is set correctly.

What causes a hot water heater to pop?

A hot water heater may pop due to sediment buildup, pressure buildup from a faulty valve, or a malfunctioning thermostat. Regular maintenance can prevent these issues.

How to extend the life of your hot water heater?

Regularly flushing the tank, replacing the anode rod, and scheduling inspections can significantly extend the life of your hot water heater.