If not properly used or maintained, a water heater can pose serious hazards, such as scalding, explosion, and carbon monoxide poisoning. Understanding these potential risks and taking the necessary preventive measures can improve safety and extend the lifespan of your unit. Here are five ways to avoid common water heater hazards.
1. Set the Thermostat to a Safe Temperature
Setting your thermostat to a safe temperature of around 120 degrees Fahrenheit can prevent scalding, one of the most common water heater hazards. Water temperatures surpassing 120 degrees Fahrenheit can lead to severe burns, especially in children. Installing anti-scald devices on showers or faucets is another way to prevent scalding injuries. Additionally, be sure to test the water temperature in your sink or bathtub before use.
2. Schedule Annual Maintenance
Regular maintenance improves efficiency, preventing common water heater hazards and helping extend the lifespan of your unit. Professional plumbers follow the manufacturer’s maintenance guidelines to ensure the best results. They also test the pressure relief valve, flush the tank to remove sediment buildup, and insulate the heater to reduce overheating risks and improve energy efficiency.
3. Keep Flammable Materials Away
A poorly maintained or malfunctioning water heater can result in a fire or explosion due to pressure buildup. To prevent this, keep flammable materials away, especially if you have a gas-powered unit. You should also keep your water heater properly ventilated to reduce its chances of overheating. Besides, experts advise against blocking or tampering with the TPR valve since it helps release excess pressure.
4. Check Your Water Heater for Signs of Leaks
A leaking water heater can lead to scalding, gas leaks, flooding, and even explosions. As such, you should check for signs of moisture buildup, corrosion, and rust because they often indicate that your unit might be leaking. You should also keep the drain valve tightly closed and ensure it is not leaking. Plus, you need to call a plumber to install a drain pan under your water heater to prevent water damage by catching leaks.
5. Keep the Exhaust Venting System Free From Obstructions
If you have a gas water heater, you’ll want to keep its exhaust venting system free from obstruction to minimize the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. You should also avoid using your gas water heater in an enclosed or poorly ventilated area. Installing carbon monoxide detectors near the unit and in sleeping spaces is another way to prevent CO poisoning.
Local Expertise
A water heater requires proper use and regular maintenance to work safely, minimizing the risk of scalding, flooding, carbon monoxide poisoning, explosion, and more. Hiring an experienced plumber to conduct regular inspections and replace worn-out components can improve the efficiency of your unit and make it safe to use. If you are a resident of Granada Hills, CA and seeking quality water heater services, contact us at Turbo Plumbing & Rooter today.
