Can a geyser explode: what causes the threat and how to prevent it

In modern apartments, hot water is not a luxury, but a necessity.Agree, heating water for domestic needs on a stove in the 21st century is crazy. Since in our country it is more profitable to use gas than electricity, gas water heaters (instantaneous gas water heaters) are simply irreplaceable.

Thanks to this equipment, hot water is available in the house all year round. However, all gas appliances are potentially dangerous. We will tell you whether a geyser can explode and for what reasons.

You will also learn the basic rules for the safe operation of a gas water heater, what protective devices are installed in modern water heating equipment, and what to look for when buying a gas water heater.

How does a gas water heater work?

The term “gas water heater” is a legacy of the Soviet period. In those days, when hot water supply was just being established, during the construction of houses, simplified wall-mounted gas boilers were installed in apartments, not equipped with automation and security systems.

Morally, technically and technologically outdated units were inconvenient and dangerous. Modern equipment is radically different from its ancestor. The devices are convenient, beautiful and do not pose any threat to the health and property of the owners.

Geysers can be manual, with piezo ignition and electronic ignition, equipped with sensitive sensors that interrupt the fuel supply in case of extinguishing

Instantaneous gas water heaters are a metal structure with a heating system.Pipes are connected to it for cold water inlet and hot water outlet, for circulation through the heat exchanger coolant, as well as for gas. The igniter is located at the bottom of the equipment. It functions like a lighter.

The gas valve opens automatically immediately after turning on the water or activating the heating process of the coolant. Gas enters the main burner, which is ignited by the igniter and produces heat. The water enters the heat exchanger, which is a spiral tube, where it is prepared for supply to the heating circuit or to the hot water supply.

Hot water is already flowing into the water tap. It heats up within 2-3 seconds after turning on the burner. Its temperature depends on individual settings. To remove combustion products, a chimney is required.

What can cause an explosion?

A geyser, like any gas-powered device, poses a potential danger to users.

Outdated equipment does not respond to overheating, resulting in an increased risk of explosion. It does not contain volatile devices that stop the operation of the boiler when a threatening situation arises or arises

The main reasons why a gas water heater is dangerous and can explode:

• independent connection;
• outdated equipment;
• unauthorized modifications to the heater.

After purchase instantaneous gas water heater it is necessary to collect permits for installation. Afterwards it is allowed install the device yourself and connect water supply pipes to it. Only GorGaz employees should connect equipment to the gas main and put it into operation.

Equipment installed in Soviet times is not equipped automation and a protection system, so it does not react to blue fuel leaks and overheating.

An explosion occurs when the gas concentration in the room is 5-15%. If a leak (smell of gas) is detected in the room, it should be ventilated in one burst and an emergency alarm should be called immediately. It is forbidden to turn on the light, strike matches or use a lighter.

For safety reasons, it is recommended to promptly replace outdated equipment with modern devices.

Can a new generation gas water heater explode?

Despite the presence of protective devices in modern technology, new gas boilers theoretically can also explode:

1. When there is no water, the empty pipe heats up.
2. There is no water circulation in the heat exchanger and it boils to a critical temperature.

Today, even economy-segment boilers are equipped with a security system. The burner will not start until water appears in the coolant and begins to circulate.

All models of wall-mounted boilers currently produced are equipped with various types of sensors for operation control and safety systems, including:

• temperature sensor - water heating is turned off when the set value is reached;
• flow sensor - monitors the pressure in the pipes;
• waste product sensor - monitors the presence of draft in the chimney;
• flexible diaphragm - fixes the pressure in the line (at normal pressure the membrane allows fuel to pass into the burner, if the pressure drops, the membrane returns to its previous position and the gas supply stops);
• ionization sensor - the equipment turns off if the burner flame goes out;

If there is a noticeable smell of gas coming from the gas water heater, immediately turn off the fuel supply and call emergency services. Does it smell like burning? Check chimney of a gas unit, its condition and the presence of traction.

Why are there explosions today?

In recent decades, people have begun to live much better. There is a massive installation of metal-plastic windows and armored doors with improved insulation, hoods, geysers and other appliances for a comfortable existence.

However, few people realize that such conveniences can lead to tragedy. The media often report cases of explosions of blue fuel in houses where gas water heaters are installed.

The owner of the property is responsible for the gas inside the dwelling. Regular preventive inspection of equipment will avoid disaster and save lives.

In Krasnodar in 2008, a gas explosion occurred in a private house. The reason is a malfunction of the column and a leak. When the gas concentration became critical, one of the residents lit a cigarette and an explosion occurred.

In 2013, a wall-mounted water heater exploded in Volgograd. Due to violation of operating rules, the wall between the bathroom and the kitchen was destroyed.

In 2016, in Borisov (Belarus), an explosion occurred in an old five-story building, the apartments of which were equipped with Soviet-style water pumps. Residents of the house did not notice the leak and did not call emergency services in time.

Causes disasters when using outdated equipment are understandable. It is recommended to replace such equipment. If this is not possible, then every weather it is necessary to call gas workers to check its operability and the presence of normal traction. Why do modern geysers explode?

A disaster can occur as a result of a gas leak, as well as at the moment of ignition, when gas flows simultaneously to the pilot and main burner. Hermetically sealed windows and doors aggravate the consequences. But this is only possible if the owner of the equipment interfered with the operation of the device.

Once a year, gas equipment must be inspected by a representative of the gas service, with which the homeowner has an agreement for the supply of gas and maintenance of the equipment consuming it

When operating a gas boiler, you should be careful and adhere to a number of rules:

• when operating the equipment, there must be an influx of fresh air into the room (windows should be kept slightly open);
• It is forbidden to leave a lit burner unattended;
• if you smell gas: immediately turn off the supply of blue fuel, do not use electrical appliances and do not turn on the lights, do not light a fire, ventilate the room and call emergency services.

The equipment must be kept clean and regularly inspected by a technician to identify faults in a timely manner.

How to prevent explosion of gas equipment?

To protect your home and prevent emergencies, it is recommended to purchase gas equipment in specialized stores.

All technical devices, including geysers, are certified by Gosstandart of Russia. Without this permit, gas appliances are not allowed for domestic use.

In a specialized store, when purchasing, you are required to provide a “certificate of conformity”. If the equipment is not of domestic production, it is worth asking whether the dispenser has been tested and certified in Russia.Take a look at the technical data sheet of the wall-mounted gas boiler and see what security systems it is equipped with.

Purchasing a instantaneous gas water heater at specialized outlets is a guarantee of quality. In addition, you can subsequently contact the center in case of a malfunction of the device and the need to replace it if a manufacturing defect is detected.

To prevent breakdowns, it is recommended that gas workers inspect the device annually. You should also study the instructions for the purchased device, which indicate under what conditions the device can operate and how to operate it correctly. The connection should only be trusted by specialists from the gas service with which contract signed.

Components and parts must be regularly cleaned of soot and debris. If problems are observed during ignition or malfunctions are detected (the column slams), call a specialist. Any technique, even potentially dangerous, if used correctly and constantly monitored for functionality, will not cause trouble or lead to dire consequences.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

Explosion of a gas boiler as a result of a factory defect:

A geyser is a potentially dangerous household appliance. Improper use and failure to follow safety instructions may result in an explosion. A disaster can occur due to improper installation, untimely replacement of outdated equipment, arbitrary replacement of parts and interference with its operation.

To ensure that the geyser provides only comfort, and its use does not lead to disaster, you should purchase equipment only in specialized stores, and also invite a specialist to inspect the device once a year.

We invite you to take part in the discussion of this topic. If you know how to make using a gas water heater as safe as possible, share your experience in the comments. You can also ask a question to specialists who will give the most detailed answer as soon as possible.