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While a water heater explosion is rare, it is a serious danger. Be aware of these critical warning signs:

• Sulfur or Rotten Egg Smell: This is a major red flag, especially for gas water heaters. It can indicate a gas leak, which could ignite and cause an explosion.

• Leaking Pressure Valve: If the temperature and pressure (T&P) relief valve is leaking, it may not be able to properly regulate internal pressure, creating a risk of bursting.

• Shaking or Rumbling: Loud rumbling or shaking from the tank can be a sign of extreme pressure buildup.

• Excessive Heat: If the exterior of the water heater feels unusually hot to the touch, the unit may be overheating dangerously.

• Rust-Colored Water: This can be a symptom of severe internal corrosion that compromises the tank's integrity.

If you notice any of these signs, especially a gas smell, you must act immediately. Shut off the gas supply to the water heater and call a professional plumber right away to prevent a potential disaster.

Water expands when heated and also when freezing. When water is heated, it expands by around 4%. For a full water heater, this is one of the main reasons malfunctions occur—the hot water has nowhere else to go but out. Due to the constant expansion and reduction in volume, it’s recommended (required in most places) that an expansion tank be installed.

Signs your electric water heater is failing include inconsistent water temperature, reduced hot water supply, longer heating times, or discolored water (rusty or cloudy). Unusual noises like popping or rumbling suggest sediment buildup, while leaks or corrosion around the tank signal structural damage. If your unit is over 10 to 15 years old and experiencing frequent issues, it may be time to replace it.

There are many issues that can cause cold showers, but the most likely is a problem with your water heater, especially if other fixtures also don’t get hot water. If it’s just your shower not getting hot water, you likely have a broken or damaged shower cartridge. You can replace this yourself or hire a plumber to do the work for you if you’re not comfortable working with plumbing.