A burst electric water heater is an emergency situation that requires the following measures to be taken immediately:
Immediate power outage: First, make sure that the power to your electric water heater has been cut off to avoid electric shock and further damage. You can find the power switch and turn it off, or unplug it.
Turn off the water source: If the explosion causes water to spew out of the electric water heater, turn off the water source immediately. Locate the valve on the water pipe connected to the electric water heater and turn it off.
Drain the water tank: If the water inside the electric water heater is still heating or there is pressure, the hot water outlet valve should be carefully opened to slowly release the water and pressure inside. But to be careful of burns, you can first flush the valve and the surrounding area with cold water.
Ventilation treatment: Since the explosion may cause water vapor and the internal materials of the electric water heater to escape into the air, make sure that the area is well ventilated to avoid inhaling harmful gases.
Contact a professional: A burst electric water heater may involve multiple aspects such as circuits, waterways, and heating elements, so you need to contact a professional maintenance personnel for inspection and repair. Do not attempt to repair it yourself to avoid greater damage or safety risks.
Recording and photographing: Before waiting for a professional to arrive, you can record what happened and photograph the scene** as evidence. These records may be helpful in the subsequent repair or claim process.
In addition, in order to prevent the occurrence of electric water heater bursting, it is recommended to regularly check the working status of key components such as safety valves, thermostats, magnesium rods and other key components of the electric water heater, and if any abnormalities or signs of failure are found, you should contact professionals in time for inspection and maintenance.