Habitual operation of equipment may be interrupted by unexpected failure, which can be determined and eliminated. But what if the boiler explodes? For what reasons did this happen and what should the user do? You will find out more in our publication.
Can a boiler explode
This is possible in three cases:
- Protective elements did not work.
- The connection was not made correctly.
- Operation was not carried out according to the instructions.
Let us consider in more detail what signs portend an explosion. Forewarned is forearmed.
Thermostat malfunction
If you notice that the heater tank has swollen, turn it off immediately. This indicates a breakdown in the thermostat, which regulates the temperature of heating the water. If it does not work in a timely manner, the temperature goes over the limit of 95 degrees, the liquid boils, evaporates, turning into steam and breaking the boiler.
Pipes can prevent an explosion. It often happens that the connection of plastic pipes is not too strong. When the pressure in the system rises, the pipe pops out of the connection, preventing an accident. Stronger threaded connections do not lose tightness.
In expensive electric boilers, two thermostats are installed. If one of them fails, the other blocks the system when increasing the set readings.
Have you noticed that the boiler is boiling or the body has swollen? After you turn off the device, replace the defective item.
Incorrect installation and connection
Connection must be carried out strictly according to the instructions. Read the article "Installing a water heater with your own hands." If it is problematic for you to carry out the installation yourself, contact a specialist. Installing an electric or gas boiler is not a joke.
Heaters operate at a system pressure of 6 MPa, with a maximum of 10 MPa. To control the pressure, a safety valve is installed.
Before installing the device, make sure that the pressure in the line does not exceed the permissible norm for the equipment. If the readings are critical, an additional gearbox is mounted to reduce pressure.
Safety valve does not work
It’s not enough to just install the technique and forget it. Constant control over the work of parts is required. It is important to understand that a boiler explosion equals a break of 300 g of TNT.
The safety valve is designed to protect the device from high pressure, but it can also break.
The main reasons why this happens:
- Scale fouling.
- Sticking, jamming.
- Natural wear and tear, loss of tightness.
Sometimes the user closes the element himself to save water: it is proved that 3% of water flows through the valve. This is not justified, as saving can result in an accident. Check and change the part at least twice a year.
Thermal protection did not work
The heater is equipped with a special button that serves as protection against overheating. As soon as the indicators exceed the norm, the button is triggered and the heater switches off. Due to a breakdown or poor-quality plastic that melts, the protection does not work - the element does not turn off when heated.
The same thing happens as with a temperature sensor: steam inflates the body, and it explodes. Diagnostics and element replacement required.
The listed problems are typical for storage boilers.
Instantaneous water heater problems
Since the specifics of the work are different, the causes of the explosion are slightly different.
Installation issues
Flowing boilers are divided into two types: closed and open. The latter should be connected to a closed water supply system. They are designed for use at one point (sink or shower). Whereas the closed ones connect to the common riser and provide flow at several points.
The temperature sensor did not work
If it is stuck or stuck, then it does not work when boiling - as a result, an explosion occurs. Have you noticed a problem? Replace the sensor.
There are other issues:
- When the appliance is equipped with a shower hose, the flow switch does not operate when it is clamped. The pressure rises sharply, leading to an accident.
- The thermal protection of the heater did not work.
- In some models, to turn on and off, you need to press a button, and not open the tap. If the tap is closed and the button is not turned off, the consequences are predictable.
- The switch has broken. The water flow was turned off, and the temperature sensor did not work, which led to overheating.
How to prevent an emergency
Follow the simple rules:
- Install the equipment correctly.
- Monitor the operation of the device. Look at the panel: the indicators will tell you whether the heating continues or not. If after a lapse of time the heater continues to operate, disconnect the boiler from the mains. Do not flush the water! So the pressure will drop sharply, and boiling will become even more active. Just wait for the master to arrive.
- Check and replace the safety valve in a timely manner.
- Connect through plastic pipes. They are mounted through fittings, so the connection breaks at overpressure. Whereas plastic or metal pipes are threaded. Then the tank will most likely explode.
The most important thing is to buy high-quality equipment in the apartment. Its manufacturer provides the proper protection system, so you do not have to worry.
Visual experiment on the explosion of a heater: