Water Heater Burst

6/12/2019 (Permalink)

It burst at the seams.

Something sound like it popped/burst?

Sometimes we forget that since our water heater actually heats the water, it can also build up pressure...steam pressure.

All water heaters have a pressure release valve designed to open up when the pressure begins to build.

Sometimes, rarely, debris/deposits get into the vale and prevent it from opening.

It is unlikely it is going to shoot through the roof or spew steam all over everything wildly.  It is likely the water tank inside the heater will pop open.  That means a sudden release of water as happened with the one pictured.

This one was a 50 gallon capacity heater.  The person taking a shower at the other end of the house heard it, as did the young persone in the next room from the water heater.  Within moments they began to see water coming into rooms and down the hall. 

Water from the heater came out very qucikly and by the time it finished leaking and the water to the heater was shut off, about one fourth of their home was very wet.

If you hear a pop, don't for get to have a fast look at your water heater.