Causes and Prevention of Burst Hot Water

Most of you are aware that a burst hot water is ‘dangerous,’ as this can cause damage not only to the property but can also injure the family. Most of the quality water heaters can last anywhere from 10 years to 20 years, but only with the right type of maintenance. There is more risk involved with failure with the lack of maintenance.

Understand The Main Reasons For A Burst Hot Water:

Burst Hot Water

1. Internal Corrosion/rust:

The lack of maintenance can lead to the internal of a water heater to get rusted or corroded. Preventive maintenance and a periodic check can ensure that this problem does not arise. Most often, the scale build-up and sacrificial anode not being replaced on time lead to this rust.

2. Increased Pressure:

When the pressure inside a water heater rises to a large extent, you face this problem of burst hot water. This increase in pressure can be due to multiple reasons. Some of the reasons are the excessive water supply, pressure from the exterior, water temperatures elevated, and failure of a relief valve or the thermal.

3. Sediment Build-up:

Hard water is common in most homes. With the passing of time, the minerals, which float in this hard water, can start settling at the bottom of the water heaters. This layer can block the water getting to the burner. As it now takes a longer time to heat the water, there is not only overheating but also deterioration. This deterioration can lead to a possible burst of hot water.

Basic Tips for Avoiding Burst Hot Water:

Following the basic tips listed below can eliminate the risk of burst hot water to a large extent.

• Call a professional to inspect the heating system once a year.
• In case, you are not able to get hold of a professional, you need to empty and flush the tank every year.
• The tank needs to be 120 to 125 degrees in temperature to eliminate the overheating problem.
• Checking of the T & P valve regularly can help to avoid burst hot water.

Hot Water Heater

Emergency Burst Hot Water:

In case, of an emergency of burst hot water, you need to be sure you do not panic and call the emergency plumbing services immediately. Before these services can come and attend to the problem, you need to;

1. Turn the isolation tap to the hot water heater off. This reduces the pressure build up in the heater, as the flow of water is stopped. The leakage from the tank takes nearly two hours to stop completely. This step can limit the damage caused by a burst of hot water.

2. In case, you have an electric heater, make sure you turn off the switch. The electricity supply to the water heater is stopped.

3. The gas tap needs to be turned off in case, of a gas water heater.

Opting for a New Heater:

A burst of hot water means you require a new water heater. This needs to be purchased only from a reputed company. You need to ensure that the company can take out the old water heater and fit the new one in accordance with your requirement. Do not compromise on the quality of the product in order to eliminate the risk of burst hot water.

Conducting an online search gets easy for this requirement, as this can be carried out from the comfort of your home with just a few clicks. Go through the different options before making a choice. It is advisable to follow a strict routine for maintenance to avoid burst hot water problem.