Did you know that October is fire prevention month? It all started with National Fire Prevention Week in 1922 to remember the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, but now it’s expanded to the whole month. This is because, on average, there are about 358,500 house fires every year. And get this, around 5,400 of those fires are caused by water heaters! Now, don’t freak out; this does not mean water heaters are inherently dangerous. But as with everything else in life, it’s important to highlight that neglecting your water heater and not following proper practices can lead to some serious consequences if you’re not careful. So, better safe than sorry, right?
Join your Centerville Plumbing & Drain family as we walk you through all you need to know about water heater fire prevention.
WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENCES IN RISKS BETWEEN GAS OR ELECTRIC WATER HEATERS?
Before we dive into safety tips, let’s chat about gas and water heaters and how they differ. While their sources may not be the same, their operation and internal mechanics are pretty similar. So, does one take the lead over the other in terms of safety? Well, that’s a debatable topic. But first, it’s good to know their sources and how they work to stay informed.
Gas Water Heaters: Gas water heaters use natural or propane gas to heat water. This means that if there’s a gas leak, flammable vapor could be present. And if that vapor comes into contact with the ignition flame, there’s a chance of an explosion. But here’s the good news: newer water heater models are sealed at the bottom, so the ignition flame is protected and won’t touch the flammable vapors. To be on the safe side, though, it’s always a good idea to have a Carbon Monoxide & Explosive Gas Detector at home, regardless of how old your water heater is. These hybrid alarms can detect carbon monoxide and gases like methane and propane.
Electric Water Heaters: On the flip side, electric water heaters use electricity as their source, so you should keep an eye out for signs of overheating or electrical fires. There could be a few reasons why your water heater is overheating. Check out more information on this particular topic here. If your water heater’s temperature is above 140ºF, try turning it down. If that doesn’t fix it, it’s time to call in a professional. (Usually, it’s recommended to keep water heaters set between 120ºF and 140ºF.)
WHAT ARE SOME SAFETY TIPS FOR WATER HEATER FIRE PREVENTION?
1. Make sure to keep any flammable materials away from your water heater and the surrounding area. It’s quite common for water heaters to be placed in garages, so it’s important to be mindful of what’s nearby. This includes, but isn’t limited to:
- Empty gasoline containers
- Oily rags
- Household chemicals and cleaning products
- Flammable materials, such as fabric, cardboard boxes, or paper
- Wood furniture
- Plastic bottles
- Paint cans
*Also, if your water heater happens to be inside your garage, as a heads up, if you keep stuff like your lawn mower there, too, make sure it is not placed near your water heater.
2. Learn how to shut your water heater off. Knowing how to turn off your water heater may not be on your mind until you’re in a pinch and need to act fast. But trust us, it’s one of those things that can come in handy when you least expect it.
3. Make sure to keep the space around your water heater free from clutter. We’ve already talked about not keeping flammables nearby, but in general, it’s not a good idea to have a lot of stuff around your water heater. Think of it like giving it some breathing room. You want your water heater to have enough space for air to flow properly. If you stack things around or in front of it, you’re blocking the airflow and creating a real fire hazard. So, keep it clear and give your water heater some space to breathe!
4. Don’t forget to schedule your annual plumbing inspection! It’s important to have a professional plumber check your plumbing system once a year for preventive care. The plumbing system has many components, like pipes, drainage systems, sinks, toilets, showers, water heaters, and other appliances. When you book an inspection with Centerville Plumbing & Drain, our expert plumbers will thoroughly examine everything to ensure it’s working properly. This way, we can catch any potential issues early on and avoid bigger problems in the future. Stay safe and keep your plumbing in top shape!
It’s all about practicing safety and taking good care of your water heater. Our top priority is to ensure you and your family stay safe! Don’t hesitate to give us a call to learn more about our Whole Home Protection Plan. We’ve got you covered when it comes to keeping your home and HVAC system in tip-top shape!
Stay safe and call Centerville Plumbing & Drain for all your plumbing needs today at (937) 240-0169, or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!
