11 Water Heater Safety Tips Everyone Should Know
Regarding safety precautions, your home’s water heater may not be the first thing you think of. But it should be on the top of your list as a necessary appliance that requires careful inspection and maintenance. Without proper upkeep and caution, serious injury or property damage could occur. To help ensure the well-being of your household and plumbing system, we’ve compiled 11 simple water heater safety tips that everyone should know. Read on to learn more!
Water Heater Safety Tips Everyone Should Know
Your water heater must be regularly inspected and maintained like any machine or appliance. While many safety precautions can be taken to avoid injury or property damage, here are 11 of the most important:
1. Read The Manufacturer’s Instructions And Warnings
Regarding water heater safety, the most important rule is always to read the manufacturer’s instructions and warnings. Ensuring you are well aware of the proper use and maintenance of your water heater is essential in keeping yourself and your family safe.
Learning how to set and monitor the temperature properly and how often you should clean your tank can help you avoid potential hazards like potable water contamination or loss of fuel pressure. These small steps towards better understanding your water heater can help keep everyone under your roof safe.
2. Check The Temperature Setting
Water heaters are a crucial household appliance, but they also pose a risk if not properly serviced. One of the smartest safety precautions homeowners can take is to ensure their water heater’s temperature setting is accurate. The ideal range should be around 120 degrees Fahrenheit to minimize the risk of scalding or injury, which should be verified every few months.
You can avoid serious burns or other accidents by simply reviewing the temperature. Implementing this simple precaution is an easy way to ensure that you and your family remain safe and secure.
3. Install Carbon Monoxide Detectors
It’s important to remember that either electricity or gas powers water heaters and both sources generate carbon monoxide (CO). Carbon Monoxide is an odorless, invisible gas that is highly toxic if inhaled. To protect yourself from CO poisoning, install CO detectors throughout your home, with one placed near the water heater.
If you ever detect a high level of CO, it could indicate that something is wrong with your water heater, and you should immediately get out of the house and call for help. With proper CO detectors in place, you can keep your family safe from this highly dangerous gas.
4. Prevent Heat Loss
Water heaters can be quite expensive, so reducing unnecessary energy consumption is important. One way to do this is by properly insulating your water heater to help prevent the loss of precious heat.
You should also ensure that no leaks or drips are coming from the tank or pipes, as these can lead to a significant amount of wasted energy. Taking an extra few minutes to properly insulate your water heater and check for leaks can save you money in the long run and help you maintain more efficient water heating practices.
5. Clean The Tank Regularly
Regular maintenance is essential to keeping your water heater in good condition. Dirt, debris, and sediment can accumulate within the tank, leading to corrosion.
To prevent this buildup, it’s recommended that you periodically flush out your water heater at least once a year. This will help ensure that all the necessary components of your water heater are functioning properly and that no hazardous materials have built up within the tank.
6. Check The Pressure Relief Valve
The pressure relief valve is an important safety feature that releases pressure from the tank if it becomes too high. Over time, this valve can become clogged or worn out, creating a dangerous situation for your household.
To ensure this doesn’t happen, it’s important to check the valve regularly and ensure it works properly. If you ever notice any wear or tear, have a professional inspect your water heater immediately.
7. Stay Up To Date On Recalls
From time to time, water heater manufacturers may issue a recall due to defective units or parts that can be dangerous. It’s important to stay current on any recalls and check if your model is affected. If it is, contact the manufacturer immediately to receive instructions on how to proceed with the recall.
8. Don’t Store Items Nearby
Water heaters generate a great deal of heat which can cause items stored near them to catch fire or melt. It’s best to avoid storing combustible materials, such as paint, gasoline, matches, etc., near your water heater to prevent accidental fires.
9. Kids Free Zone
It’s also important to keep children away from the water heater as they are more likely to get injured if they try to tamper with it. It’s best to keep the area around the water heater clear of toys, furniture, and other items that kids may find appealing to discourage them from exploring this dangerous area of your house.
10. Call A Professional
If you ever notice signs of wear and tear on your water heater, or if it starts to malfunction, it’s best to call a professional to inspect the issue and make repairs as necessary. Doing so can help protect your family from any hazards associated with a faulty water heater.
11. Adequate Ventilation
Your water heater must ventilate properly to function correctly and safely. Ensure that the area around your water heater is clean and free of debris or obstructions to adequately expel gases like carbon monoxide and other dangerous byproducts.
It’s essential to take steps toward keeping your water heater safe and efficient.
Conclusion
Water heaters can be a great addition to any home. Still, it’s important to take steps to ensure its safety. By following these 11 tips; you can keep your family safe from potential hazards and help maintain the efficiency of your water heater. These simple tips can make a big difference in your water heating practices, from properly insulating your tank to calling a professional when necessary.
