Your water heater helps to make your home more comfortable and easy to use, but when it is not properly maintained it can lead to disaster. Water heaters can pose potential risks to your home and family members when they are not maintained, cleaned, or secured. There are ways to help prevent water heater accidents and keep your home safe. Doing even the smallest of tasks can give you better peace of mind when showering, washing dishes, or cooking.
1- Regular Maintenance
The best way to keep your water heater in good condition and prevent water heater accidents is to have regular maintenance from a plumber. Plumbers can help remove sediment buildup, check for corrosion, and adjust the temperature of the heater. When your heater has been making odd noises or is having a hard time producing enough hot water, it is time to schedule maintenance.
You should also be flushing your water heater once a year. You can do this by connecting a hose to the drain valve and allowing the tank to drain until you see clear water. Make sure to turn off the power supply before doing a flush. S&B Plumbing can help complete this task and take this worry off your mind.
2- Temperature Control
There is a sweet spot when it comes to water heater temperatures. The proper temperature will prevent scalding water from burning those who use it and stop bacteria growth inside the water tank. Preventing water heater accidents is easier when your temperature is set at the right number for the size of your heater. The recommended temperature for water heaters is around 120 degrees Fahrenheit or 49 degrees Celcius. This will be hot enough to prevent mold or bacteria growth but has a lower scalding risk.
A moderate water heater temperature is important for families with young children or elderly family members living in the home. Preventing accidental burns and other water heater accidents is possible when you check your temperature at least every year.
3- Prevent Leaks
Water leaks can cause damage to your flooring, walls, and other parts of your home. When you don’t notice that you have a water heater leak, this can lead to the moisture seeping into more of your home and causing expensive repairs. Regularly inspect the area around your water heater for leaks. Once you notice an issue, call a plumber to either repair the heater or install a new one. You can also place a drip pan underneath the heater to help you check for water. This will catch moisture and prevent it from damaging your home.
4- Install A Temperature And Pressure Relief Valve
Temperature and pressure relief (TPR) valves are a crucial safety feature. This automatically releases water if the temperature or pressure gets too high inside the tank. These devices will help prevent water heater explosions that can cause injury or damage. Regularly testing the TPR valve or installing one if your heater doesn’t currently have one will help keep your heater functioning as well. Regulating the temperature and pressure in a water heater is something that homeowners can keep track of on their own once the valve is installed.
5- Secure The Water Heater To The Wall
In the event of an earthquake or other natural disaster, your water heater could fall over or be ripped from its spot. This can cause the water and gas line to disconnect, leading to damage to your home or injury. Secure the water heater by strapping it to the wall with secure screws. Most plumbers can help you complete this and recommend straps for your specific home. This may seem simple, but taking the precaution could save you from gas leaks, explosions, or water damage.
6- Educate Your Family Members
Telling your family about the potential dangers of the water heater and how to ensure it stays efficient will help prevent water heater accidents. Answering any questions members of the household may have will help everyone know how to protect themselves in an emergency. This is also a great time to locate the water shut-off valve in case of an emergency. There are many resources on our blog and other plumbing sites that can help you glean information on the inner workings of water heaters.
S&B Plumbing wants all of our customers or interested parties to know all about their water heaters. Knowing the mechanisms and how to take care of the heater will save you from heartache later and keep everyone safe. Our blog is full of other insights that can be helpful for homeowners. Have trouble maintaining your plumbing? Call our experts for help! Schedule an appointment near Mariott-Slatterville today!