Did you know that October is Fire Prevention Month? It was established as National Fire Prevention Week in 1922 to commemorate the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, and later expanded to include the entire month. On average, there are about 358,500 house fires per year, with around 5,400 of them caused by water heaters. Now, in no way does it mean that water heaters are inherently dangerous, but it’s important to emphasize that improper practices and negligence can have serious consequences if left unchecked.
Bellbrook Plumbing & Drain priorities safety, so join us as we walk you through all you need to know about water heater fire prevention.
WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN GAS OR ELECTRIC WATER HEATERS?
Before discussing safety tips, let’s compare gas and water heaters. Though their sources differ, their operational mechanisms are quite similar. So, does one prioritize safety over the other? While this is debatable, it’s important to comprehend how they function.
Gas Water Heaters: Gas water heaters use natural or propane gas to heat water. This means that if there is a gas leak, there is a risk of flammable vapor. If this vapor comes into contact with the ignition flame, there is a higher chance of an explosion. Fortunately, newer water heater models are sealed at the bottom, which prevents the ignition flame from touching flammable vapors. To prioritize safety, it’s recommended to have a Carbon Monoxide & Explosive Gas Detector in your home, regardless of your water heater’s age. These detectors can identify carbon monoxide as well as natural gases like methane and propane.
Electric Water Heaters: On the other hand, electric water heaters use electricity as their power source. Therefore, it is important to be vigilant for signs of overheating or electrical fires. There could be several reasons why your water heater is overheating. For more information, click here. If your water heater’s temperature is above 140ºF, try lowering it. If the issue persists, it’s time to seek professional assistance. (It is generally recommended to set water heaters between 120ºF and 140ºF for optimal performance.)
WHAT ARE SOME SAFETY TIPS FOR WATER HEATER FIRE PREVENTION?
1. Ensure that flammable materials are kept away from your water heater and its surrounding area. It is common for many water heaters to be located in garages, where these items are often found nearby. Examples of such materials include, but are not limited to:
- Paint cans or canisters
- Empty gasoline containers
- Oily rags
- Other household chemicals or cleaning products
- Cardboard boxes
- Stacks of paper or other flammable materials like fabric
- Wood furniture
- Plastic bottles
*Also, if your water heater is located inside your garage, please be cautious if you store items such as your lawn mower there too. While it may not be an empty gasoline container, most lawnmowers need gas to operate. Therefore, placing a device filled with any amount of gas near a water heater poses a significant fire risk.
2. It’s important to know how to turn off your water heater. You may not think about it until you’re in a critical moment that requires quick action. However, having prior knowledge of how to turn off your water heater can be more valuable than you realize.
3. Make sure to keep the space around your water heater free from clutter. While we’ve already discussed the importance of not storing flammable items nearby, it’s generally not a good idea to have any items cluttering the area around your water heater. Think of it as giving your water heater enough room to “breathe.” It’s crucial for proper airflow and to prevent any fire hazards that can occur if items are stacked around or in front of your water heater.
4. Don’t forget to schedule your annual plumbing inspection! It’s crucial for preventative care. During the inspection, our expert plumbers at Bellbrook Plumbing & Drain will thoroughly check all your plumbing equipment, including pipes, drainage systems, sinks, toilets, showers, water heaters, and other plumbing-related appliances. This helps ensure everything is working properly and allows us to catch any potential issues early on. Avoid costly and dangerous problems down the road by booking your plumbing inspection today!
Safety and proper care of your water heater are crucial. Our top priority is ensuring the safety of you and your family. Feel free 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 top condition!
Stay safe and call Bellbrook Plumbing & Drain for all your plumbing needs today at (937) 240-3731 or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!