Important Safety Tips for Your Water Heater

Although water heaters significantly contribute to your home’s comfort, they can be dangerous too. After all, they involve water, electricity, and high temperatures. That’s why it’s imperative to take safety precautions to protect your family and avoid costly damage to your property. Keep reading as Roberts Plumbing Hydro Jet & Rooter, your go-to specialist in water heater repair in Woodland Hills, CA, shares these helpful tips:

CONDUCT REGULAR MAINTENANCE

Routine maintenance for your water heater helps detect issues early, so you can fix them before they become irreparable. Doing so also improves the efficiency and lifespan of your unit. We recommend getting professional water heater services for maintenance and inspection at least once a year.

CHECK THE TEMPERATURE OFTEN

The Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) recommends setting the temperature of water heaters at 120 degrees Fahrenheit, as anything beyond that can cause scalding. At the same time, anything below 120 degrees can increase the risk of bacterial growth.

MAINTAIN ADEQUATE VENTILATION

Ventilation is an important part of a hot water heater replacement, as it keeps pressure from accumulating. Ensure it is properly placed and doesn’t have drafts to ensure the fumes go outside. It should also go up and out, have a similar diameter to the tank’s diverter, and be free of dips.

HAVE A CARBON MONOXIDE MONITOR

Even with adequate ventilation, it’s essential to install a carbon monoxide monitor if you’re using a gas-powered tanked or tankless water heater. Since it’s colorless and odorless, it’s easy to fall victim to carbon monoxide poisoning in case of a leak.

CHECK IF THERE ARE NEARBY FIRE HAZARDS

If you chose a gas-powered unit for your water heater installation, be sure to keep combustible materials, such as paints and commercial cleaners, away from the unit. All it takes is for the water heater to crack and cause a chemical reaction with these items, resulting in a fire.

Safety should always be your top priority, so be sure to follow these simple tips. If you need help with water heater repair, maintenance, or replacement, Roberts Plumbing Hydro Jet & Rooter has you covered. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.