A Better Plumber and Sewer, Inc.

Oct 4, 2021

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Water heaters, or water-heating devices, are often taken for granted. They typically sit in the corner of your basement and quietly do their job without much input from you. However, water heater safety guidelines are an essential aspect of home maintenance that should not be ignored. If you use a water heater at home, it’s critical to know how to properly maintain it so that you can avoid potentially dangerous situations.

This blog post will give you a few tips on how to safely maintain your water heating device so that both you and members of your household stay safe.

1. Check the Temperature Regularly

The first thing you should know about water heaters is the importance of checking the temperature gauge periodically throughout the year. This can be done by using an infrared thermometer to read the temperature of both cold and hot water lines near the bottom of your tank or at various points around it. It’s also important to check pipes leading into and out of your fuel source (coal, oil, gas) for leaks.

2. Replace Old Water Heaters

Replacing water heaters over ten years old with newer models is another way to stay safe. If you notice signs of corrosion, wear and tear, or other damage in your water heater, such as rust spots on metal surfaces inside the tank, it is essential to replace them immediately.

3. Keep it Heated to a Minimum

Keeping water heaters heated to a minimum will save you money in heating costs and provide more efficiency. If the pilot light on your gas water heater goes out, make sure to relight it as soon as possible before turning up the temperature setting for when you need hot water again.

4. Keep it in a Well-Ventilated Area

It is vital to provide proper ventilation to water heaters to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. If water heater tanks are installed in a confined or poorly ventilated space, the water heater may not expel gases properly. This can lead to carbon monoxide spreading in the living areas and should be taken seriously when installing water heaters.

5. Keep Away from Fire Hazards

There must be no fire hazards near water heaters. If water heaters are installed near easily flammable items, this can be extremely dangerous if a fire breaks out. Ensure that water heaters are not close to anything that could catch on fire or explode to prevent major disasters.

6. Kids & Water Heaters Don’t Mix!

Ensure that you have your water heater in a kids-free zone. Kids are fascinated by water and water heaters, but the two should never mix! Kids are curious about everything they see, so make sure your water heater is secure in its spot to avoid any accidents that could harm innocent children.

These were just a few of the most crucial water heater safety tips you can follow when maintaining your water heaters at home or your place of business.

We at A Better Plumber & Sewer are experts in all kinds of plumbing services. Whether you have a clog, a leak, or need some help with water heater installation – we are here for you! Contact us for a free quote on our plumbing services today if you require a plumber in Round Lake, IL.