Water Heater Safety for Germantown Home Owners

When was the last time you thought about your water heater? Most likely it was in the middle of a shower that turned suddenly cold! How frustrating is that!

Very.  Still, a cold shower is far from the worst problem your water heater can cause.  Unless properly maintained, it becomes increasingly susceptible to water leaks which can damage your floors, gas leaks, and fire.

That’s why Your 1 Plumber urges you to follow these important safety measures while ensuring longer and more reliable performance:

Pay attention! 

Just a little bit of observation can go a long way when it comes to detecting a problem with your water heater. Be sure to check for these “vital signs:”

• Your unit should not be making strange noises, like bubbling or popping which indicate sediment build-up inside the tank.  In that event you’ll want to drain, flush, and refill your tank, or have a licensed plumber do it for you.
• On gas heaters, the combustion chamber should be dust-free and clean.  If you see rust or black soot, call your plumber. Thick soot build-up causes higher fuel bills, equipment operating problems, and potential fire and safety problems.
• If you have an older unit with a pilot light, the flame should be mostly blue.

Make some changes!

There are some very simple changes you can make to your water heater that will dramatically increase its safe operation:

• To prevent fire, clear the area surrounding your water heater of dust, combustible materials (i.e. paper, paint, etc.), and clutter.
• Set your thermostat to 130 degrees. This temperature is hot enough to stop harmful bacteria from growing, yet cool enough to prevent scalding.
• Place a drain pan beneath your heater that is approximately 1-1/2 inches deep and is at least 2 inches wider than the bottom of the tank. This precaution will help prevent water damage from small leaks.

Schedule an appointment!

As licensed plumbers, Your 1 Plumber can thoroughly inspect your water heater, inside and out, for any potential warning signs.  We can also make any needed repairs.  How often should you have your water heater inspected?  Once a year.  So if it’s been longer than that, why not give us a call today.  It’s safe and effective operation depend on it.

Toll free:  1-888-540-7586
Click here to schedule service now