Are Water Heaters Dangerous?

Did you hear about the time a water heater exploded and caused extensive damage to a home?

No, it’s not an urban legend. Turns out it isn’t a myth.

Water heaters can pose significant danger without proper maintenance.

The average lifespan of a water heater is somewhere between 8 to 12 years. Here in Georgia, we find most water heaters need to be replaced around the ten year mark with proper care and maintenance on a regular basis.

However, many things go into that calculation. Your water heater may be younger when it starts presenting problems. At best, it begins to leak water. If left unattended, it can burst and flood your floor. At worst, it can put a hole through your roof.

The Mythbusters discovered that a neglected water heater could explode, launching itself through the roof and up to 500 feet into the air.

While we’re not saying you’ll be seeing water heaters launching around your neighborhood anytime soon, a neglected water heater has many other risks as well.

Water can spray out from the appliance, causing extensive damage to drywall, flooring, and other building materials.

Leaks can penetrate furniture, appliances, or electronics.

It can destroy irreplaceable items like photos, souvenirs, and treasures. Water heaters are often in the basement or crawlspace where these treasures are likely to be boxed up and stored.

If you have a gas water heater and the burner doesn’t shut off, excess gas can build up in your home. A single spark can damage or destroy your home.

A faulty gas water heater also has the potential to release carbon monoxide into the home. This odorless gas is virtually undetectable to humans. It’s also deadly. Just a few hours can have life-threatening consequences.

Proper maintenance is key.

Schedule routine inspections and maintenance visits, especially at the start of the winter season when you’ll be using your equipment more frequently.

Make sure you only work with licensed professionals. This will ensure your equipment is in top shape and poses smaller risks.

Don’t let your water heater become a problem. Schedule your inspection today.