There is nothing like the word “bomb” that incites more fear in people. Many could have one in their own home without realizing it. It is possible for your water heater to explode. However, there are warning signs that you can look out for before it gets to this point.
Warning Signs: Do You Have a Bomb in Your Home?
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Your Water Heater’s Age
It is vital to know how old your water heater is. The older it is, the more likely it is to be rusted, corroded or operating improperly. You can find this information by looking at the serial number. The serial number’s coded date will not look like a typical date stamp. Therefore, knowing what each piece of information means is crucial.
It will start with a letter, A-L. Whatever that letter is, it represents which month it was created. Therefore, when yours starts with a C, it was made in the 3rd month, or March. The next two digits will be a number. That number represents the year. So, for example, if your next two digits are 99, your water heater was made in 1999. If it starts with a zero, it was made in the 2000s. The rest of the numbers represent model and manufacturer information. Conventional tanks only have about a ten-year life span. So, if yours is older than that, you should call a licensed plumber to schedule a water heater replacement.
Improper Installation
Many homeowners try to avoid the cost of a plumber. They either try to install the tank themselves or hire an unlicensed plumber to do the job instead. Therefore, when an unlicensed plumber, including the homeowner, installs a water heater improperly, it can result in an explosion. In addition, not only can they cause a catastrophic tragedy for themselves, but they can also be held legally responsible for any damage caused to their neighbors and surrounding areas. If you think your water tank was installed improperly, it is advisable to consult with a qualified, licensed plumber to check out the tank.
Carbon Monoxide Alarm Bells
If your CO detector keeps sending out alarm sounds, you have a leak somewhere in your home. It needs to be addressed immediately. Carbon monoxide is colorless and odorless. It is also extremely hazardous to your health. Consequently, when the CO reaches certain levels in your home, it is lethal. On your water heater, the ignition flame can ignite the gas and create an explosion when there is a leak anywhere near or inside of it.
Faulty Valves
As previously mentioned, water heaters work through thermal expansion. Normally, when a tank is working properly, it has a TVP valve or temperature pressure release valve. This valve allows pressure to escape to keep your tank within an acceptable psi (pounds per square inch) range. However, faulty valves cause a build-up of pressure which will send your water heater rocketing through your home and your roof.
Water Heater Repair Coplay PA
There have been numerous incidents on record of water heater explosions. When you are worried about your water tank, call a licensed plumber. Be sure to have them thoroughly check your water heater so that they can offer their recommendations. Also, make sure that you have your water heater replaced when it is more than 10 years old. This will help prevent water heater problems and it will reduce your water heating costs.
Robinson Plumbing offers water heater repair services, water heater installation services, and much more. Give us a call so that our certified plumbers can use their skills, knowledge, and professionalism to help you resolve your plumbing issues. Our services are fast, clean, and affordable. Robinson Plumbing is a local, family owned company that offers superior plumbing services.
We service Allentown PA 18101, Catasauqua PA 18032, Coplay PA 18037, Laurys Station PA 18059, Lehigh Valley PA 18001, Northampton PA 18067, Whitehall PA 18052 and surrounding areas in Lehigh Valley, PA, and surrounding areas.
Call us today at (610) 351-9889 or contact us for any questions that you might have!