How often do you think about your hot water heater? Probably not much. You know it keeps the water in your home warm so you can wash clothes, clean dishes, and enjoy relaxing showers…
But have you considered that without proper maintenance, your water heater can severely injure or poison your family members?
It’s vital that you ensure your water heater is properly maintained to extend its life and so you can keep yourself and your loved ones safe. Thinking about this ahead of time will prevent you from having to worry about it when it’s too late and something has gone wrong.
Here are some easy water heater safety tips that anyone can implement for safer hot water usage:
1. Keep the area around your water heater clear
You want to keep the space around your water heater clear at all times. This includes large items such as storage boxes and smaller items like cleaning products. It’s unlikely your heater will catch fire but, if it does, you want the surrounding area clear to reduce any fire hazards.
Some water heaters have a pilot light, so it’s important to keep flammable liquids away as it could be disastrous if they make contact.
Also, although water heaters are durable, they can crack, and I’m sure you can imagine how disastrous a cracked water heater is.
2. Practice pilot light safety
While not all water heaters have a pilot light, many do, so it’s essential that you practice pilot light safety if yours has one.
Before you use any flammable liquids or aerosols in the area, such as a flea or tick bomb, you need to extinguish the pilot light. Otherwise, the combustible material and the pilot light can lead to an explosion.
If your heater is in the garage, you want to make sure it’s on a pedestal and that the pilot light is at least 18 inches above the floor to prevent igniting gasoline vapors that collect near the floor.
3. Inspect your water heater regularly
Your water heater serves a very important purpose. You want to regularly check it to make sure there are no signs of problems, and if there are, be sure to get them fixed as soon as possible. We offer water heater repair and installation services at residential and commercial locations.
Here are a few things you want to check for during your inspections:
- Check the drain valve to be sure it’s not clogged with sediment
- Check the vent, draft diverter and flex connectors for breaks, leaks, gaps, and corrosion
- Check the temperature pressure relief valve annually. All you need to do is lift the valve to make sure water is coming out. If you check it too frequently, it can create additional problems.
4. Maintain the recommended temperature
You want your water temperature to stay around 130 degrees Fahrenheit. While some recommend 120 degrees or even lower, to save money and energy, saving a few dollars can actually be dangerous.
Below 120 degrees, disease-causing legionella bacteria can grow. If this happens, the water that runs through your house can become tainted, which can poison you and your loved ones.
You also don’t want to keep the temperature too high (above 140 degrees Fahrenheit) because it can lead to third-degree burns, which are the worst type of burn you can get.
5. Consider earthquake protection
States that experience frequent earthquakes, like California, are required to have earthquake straps on their water heater to keep it from disconnecting and exploding in the event of a disaster. It’s better to be safe than sorry by having earthquake straps even if you don’t live in an earthquake zone.
Another great safety measure is an automatic shutoff valve. This shuts off the gas if it senses the ground moving or gas flowing unnaturally. These simple safety measures can potentially save your life and your home.
5. Flush your water annually
Sediment tends to settle at the bottom of your water heater. To clear the build-up, most manufacturers recommend that you flush your system annually. You should check your specific machine’s maintenance instructions for information on how to clean it and how often it should be done.
The best option here is to check with your water heater professional to see if this is something you should be doing and how often.
6. Install a carbon monoxide detector
Every home should have a carbon monoxide detector, regardless of the type of water heater used. However, specifically related to water heater safety, you want to have a carbon monoxide detector in your home to alert you of the presence of this odorless, colorless and potentially deadly gas.
Over 400 people die from carbon monoxide poisoning every year. This is a simple step you can take to keep yourself and your loved ones safe.
Keep your water heater, home, and family safe
Water heaters are durable machines that are made to last for years with minimal maintenance. You can do your part to keep your family safe by following these safety tips regularly.
If you need help from a professional, be sure to reach out to Robinson’s Plumbing. We’re glad to perform a water heater inspection to ensure it’s operating properly and complete any necessary repairs. Contact us today.