MythBusters set up a three-tier scaffold to simulate a two-story house. The lowest level housed the 52 US gallon water heater, second level contained a simulated living room, and on top was a roof built to standard California building codes. The resulting explosion from the water heater did cause it to shoot through the living room floor and the roof.

Manufacturers currently recommend annual testing of the TPV every year and replacement every three years. Water Heater explosions are rare, but are devastating to property and life when they happen.