Home's water heater explodes, hurtles 135 yards

[Jaraeth]

http://www.azcentral.com/community/phoenix/articles/2008/08/14/20080814kpnx-waterheater.html

.... W.O.W. Just. WOW! I've never heard of a hot water tank turning into a missile, but... this is just hilarious. I feel bad for the home owner and the renter, but I am so amazed at the destructive capability of a hot water tank, that I couldn't help but laugh in astonishment. Add to the fact that it happened a few blocks away from where I live...

 

[HJ-Navarre]

Yikes! It makes me want to check the safety valve on 'my' water heater.

 

[Gate]

Boilers and related appliances are dangerous things. It's like a really freaking dangerous bottle rocket.

 

[Jaraeth]

I knew they could blow up, due to the fact that not only do they have normal water pressure, but also the pressure from expanding due to the water being heated... as I've worked alongside plumbers and such. I just never quite knew just how much damage they could do. Take out a wall or two sure, but take out those walls, plus a few more and shatter nearby windows in neighbors houses? That is the part I never quite realized... Thankfully where I live I don't have a hot water tank, my complex has a boiler a few building away though that feeds my side of the complex. But now... I find myself hoping that the maintenance guys take good care of that thing...