Top 5 Warning Signs Your Water Heater in Riverside, CA, May Be on the Brink of Explosion

Water heaters transport vital water and gas supplies under high pressure. If things go wrong, these units, particularly gas and tank heaters, can explode. Often, this happens if thermostat malfunctions get the water too hot or gas leaks, but either way, you should recognize the water heater explosion warning signs listed below. 



For safety’s sake, you’ll want to know what it looks, sounds, or smells like when your heater is about to blow up! Inland Empire Comfort Air Conditioning & Heating shares more below. You can also contact this heating company in Riverside, CA, to learn more.

1. Open or Leaking Valve

Water heaters rely on a pressure relief valve, which periodically opens up to vent excess pressure and maintain heat. If the valve stays in the open position, it’s a sign that there is too much pressure in the system (it can’t ventilate enough).

Notably, extremely high pressures cause leaks around valve seals. An expert will likely have to replace the pressure valve to fix the problem. 

2. Popping Noise

Another sign of a potential explosion waiting to happen in your water heater would be those frequent popping noises you hear as sediment buildup settles to the bottom of the tank. The sediment blocks the heating element, creating a barrier between the heat source and the water in the tank. Then, the water trapped underneath the sediment gets so hot that it starts to boil, which can fling sediment pieces around and result in pinging or popping noises. 

If the pressure gets too high, your water heater could possibly explode. 

3. Bad Smells

Odors like that of rotten eggs or sulfur could indicate a gas leak due to damaged burners or tiny holes in the gas lines. These smells also happen when your Riverside, CA, system has been incorrectly installed. It’s one of the water heater explosion warning signs that also harms your health.

Do you think you smell a gas leak coming from your water heating system? If so, leave the house as soon as you can and call a professional to check things out. Natural gas leaking out not only causes explosions but also affects your health with prolonged exposure. 

4. Discolored Water

Brown-tinged water signals corrosion and rust pieces getting inside your water heater. Usually, this is on the inside of the tank. 

Does the water coming out of your faucets have a reddish-brown color? Your system is corroding, and its malfunctioning parts could cause an explosion without intervention. 

5. Your Riverside, CA, Water Heater Shakes

Is the heater shaking or vibrating suddenly? Components shake violently if the pressure builds up too much in the unit. 

It may start as a small vibrating sound coming from the bottom of the tank. Don’t ignore it. 

Water Heater Repair & Maintenance in Riverside, CA

Your malfunctioning water heater affects house humidity with AC systems running and risks your safety. If you notice any water heater explosion warning signs, contact Inland Empire Comfort Air Conditioning & Heating online or call for immediate water heater services in Riverside, CA!