While a water heater is an important component of your home’s plumbing system, it can pose some danger to you and your family members under the wrong conditions. This is why taking the proper safety precautions is so important.

Scalding

One of the biggest water heater dangers is scalding. Scalding can cause severe burns that may require medical intervention and possibly permanent disfigurement. The danger for children is especially severe.

To prevent this danger, you need to set the water to 120°F. This is low enough to prevent the worst scalding injuries. Comparatively, water that is heated to 140°F can cause third-degree burns almost immediately after contact. Anti-scalding devices can also be installed to prevent this danger.

Carbon Monoxide

Gas-powered water heaters present another danger. This is the possibility of carbon monoxide poisoning. The biggest step you can take to protect against this threat is to install carbon monoxide detectors throughout your home. The most important places to install them are near the gas water heater and near any bedrooms in the house. Carbon monoxide is an invisible and odorless gas. Carbon monoxide detectors are really the only way to protect against carbon monoxide poisoning.

A second step you can take is to ensure that vents used to dispel gas from your home are clear of obstruction. This obstruction could change during the year. A vent that is not blocked during the spring, for example, could become blocked during the winter due to snowfall. The ventilation system for your gas water heater should also be inspected from time to time to ensure that it is indeed providing adequate ventilation of harmful gases.

Fire

The possibility of a fire breaking out near a gas water heater is also a concern. Anywhere there is flammable gas, there is, of course, a risk of fire. Make sure there are no flammable materials stored near the water heater. This is especially the case if the space is enclosed. Enclosed spaces are especially susceptible to sparking fires under the right conditions.

Maintenance

Regular maintenance performed on your water heater can also prevent something bad from happening with your system that could put your family at risk. Consider having professionals complete maintenance on a routine basis. Every year is probably a good bet for water heater maintenance. This way, problems can be identified and eliminated before they become serious issues. Certain maintenance tasks that should be completed include:

• Checking for leaks
• Flushing the tank
• Testing the temperature & pressure relief valve

If you live in or near Indianapolis, IN, and need water heater repair or replacement services, hire JW’s Plumbing Services for the job. We have years of experience serving communities in the greater Indianapolis area and can solve your water heater issues as quickly as possible. Don’t wait too long as water heater issues can be quite dangerous if not properly addressed.