Water heaters are indispensable household appliances that offer us the convenience of bathing with warm water and eliminate the need to boil water for daily chores manually. If you are not careful, hazards can develop with your water heater. Here are some common dangers and tips to avoid them.
Water Heater Catching Fire
When water heaters do not have enough room to “breathe,” items stored too close to them may overheat or catch fire. Don’t set objects on your water heater; allow ample space for proper ventilation. If the water heater is in your laundry room, install shelving to hold detergent and other items if you have no closet or cabinet space to store them.
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Carbon monoxide poisoning is risky if you have a gas-power water heater. Carbon monoxide is a colorless and odorless gas that kills more than 400 people yearly in the United States. It also sends thousands more to hospitals when it leaks into homes and other buildings. To avoid the dangers that carbon monoxide can cause, install a carbon monoxide monitor. The monitor will alert you when there is a carbon monoxide leak so you can quickly rectify the issue.
Catastrophic Combustion
Sometimes, pressure builds up inside water heater tanks, and they eventually explode when levels become too high. Property damage, bodily injury, or death can result when a water heater tank combusts. Have a professional plumber inspect your water heater every year. During this inspection, the plumber will test your pressure valve to see if it works correctly and replace it if it malfunctions.
Harm From Hot Temperatures
Some people mistakenly believe that if they set the water heaters to the highest temperature, they will have hotter water longer. However, setting temperatures above 130 degrees Fahrenheit significantly increases the risk of scalding and provides the perfect conditions for legionella bacteria to grow. These bacteria are responsible for Legionnaires’ Disease. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), people can develop Legionnaires’ Disease when inhaling small droplets of water contaminated with the bacteria, which can happen while bathing. Make sure to keep the temperature of the water heater below 130 degrees.
If you live in the Augusta, GA area and want to know if your water heater presents any safety hazards, give Drain Surgeon a call straight away. We will perform an inspection and help you remedy any hazards we find to keep you and your family safe.
