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A water heater explosion can be a very dangerous event. The Internet is full of deadly incidents in which exploding water heaters literally shattered houses, restaurants and even schools. A particularly lethal blast occurred in Texas in 1982 and sadly caused the death of six school children and a teacher. The accident occurred because the school had failed to make the necessary number of safety inspections, the heater fell into disrepair and subsequently malfunctioned. The key to preventing or failing to prevent these lethal explosions is the tiny temperature and pressure safety valve. When the temperature inside the heater reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit, this valve begins to operate. Rising pressure caused by the expansion of heated water is released through the valve in the form of steam and hot water. Sadly, despite the inherent dangers in misuse of this valve, many DIY homeowners mistakenly believe the steam and hot water flowing from this valve is the result of a minor plumbing problem. Thinking they can easily repair the problem, the confused homeowner will either try and turn the valve off or worse, plug it up and thus stop the "leak." The results can be deadly. Four rules can protect a homeowner from the dangers of a water heater explosion. 1. If a homeowner sees the TP valve dribbling hot water and steam, don't try and plug it himself. Call a licensed plumber and let him handle the problem. 2. Check your T & P valve at least once a year. 3. DO NOT let a handyman tinker with your water heater. 4. Should your home own an old heater, check it out to make sure it is equipped with a T & P valve, as not every old heater has one. If your tank doesn't have a valve, call a plumber to install one. These four precautionary rules are easy to follow, but they can save lives and money. Remember, in the worst case scenario, your water heater could take off like a rocket, travel through every story of your house, blow through the roof, and come to rest blocks away causing terrible damage to the home of one of your neighbors. If you see water and steam coming out of your T & P valve, call a plumber immediately.
Article Source: http://www.onlinearticlessite.com
According to Byron Graham, a Baltimore Plumber with A-1 Plumbing of Baltimore, a Baltimore plumbing company, water heater explosions are among the most avoidable plumbing emergencies.
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