"Fireplace Explosion" -- Scary story from my local newspaper

[Ryan723]

Just saw a pretty scary story from my local newspaper:

https://www.njherald.com/20181113/fireplace-explosion--damaged-blairstown-home-injured-two#//

Basically, a previous owner had a system in the fireplace to heat domestic hot water and/or pool water. It was decommissioned some time prior to the new owners moving in. But it must have been sealed off with water in the pipes, essentially creating several steam pipe bombs when the new owners had their first fire.



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[bholler]

Just saw a pretty scary story from my local newspaper:

https://www.njherald.com/20181113/fireplace-explosion--damaged-blairstown-home-injured-two#//

Basically, a previous owner had a system in the fireplace to heat domestic hot water and/or pool water. It was decommissioned some time prior to the new owners moving in. But it must have been sealed off with water in the pipes, essentially creating several steam pipe bombs when the new owners had their first fire.


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And that is why i am always very cautious when people start messing around with homemade hydronic heating. It can go very wrong.

 

[Chimney Smoke]

That'll make you need fresh underwear Amazing that nobody was seriously hurt.

 

[bholler]

That'll make you need fresh underwear Amazing that nobody was hurt.

It says 2 were injured but neither serious

 

[peakbagger]

Looks like a good segment for the old Mythbusters show. Hard to explain to folks how much energy can be released when steam doesnt have anywhere to go. Doesnt take a lot of liquid to make a lot of steam. I square inch of water equals 1700 square inches of steam, add enough heat and and something will let loose.

 

[webby3650]

Reading the heading I just assumed it was another Hearthstone Stove blowing it’s top!

 

[bholler]

Reading the heading I just assumed it was another Hearthstone Stove blowing it’s top!

Or a vc blowing its griddle off.

 

[mcstatz5829]

Chernobyl was basically a steam explosion.

 

[Ashful]

I suspect that wine bottle had something to do with it. ;-)