Did you know that October is fire prevention month? It’s pretty interesting how it all started as National Fire Prevention Week in 1922 to remember the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. There are about 358,500 house fires every year, and around 5,400 of those fires happen because of water heaters! Now this doesn’t mean water heaters are irrevocably dangerous or anything, but it’s definitely important to be careful and not neglect proper maintenance. So, join your Cincinnati 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 operations and internal mechanics are pretty similar. So, does one have an edge over the other in terms of safety? Well, that’s a debatable topic, but first, it’s good to understand their sources and how they work.
Gas Water Heaters: Gas water heaters use natural or propane gas to heat water. This means that if there’s a gas leak, there’s a chance of flammable vapor. And if that vapor comes into contact with the ignition flame, there’s a possibility of an explosion. But the good news is that newer water heater models are usually sealed at the bottom, so the ignition flame is protected and won’t come into contact with flammable vapors. To be on the safe side, it’s always a good idea to use a Carbon Monoxide & Explosive Gas Detector in your home, regardless of how old your water heater is. These hybrid alarms can detect carbon monoxide and natural gases like methane and propane.
Electric Water Heaters: On the other hand, electric water heaters use electricity as their source, so you’ll want to keep an eye out for any signs of overheating or electrical fires. There could be a few reasons why your water heater is overheating. If you’re curious to learn more, you can click here for additional information. So, if your water heater’s temperature is above 140ºF, you can try turning it down a bit. If that doesn’t do the trick, it’s probably a good idea to call in a professional. (Typically, 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 you keep anything flammable away from your water heater and its surrounding area. Therefore, it’s a good idea to keep items at a safe distance. These items include but are not limited to: Paint cans or canisters, empty gasoline containers, oily rags, other household chemicals or even some cleaning products, cardboard boxes, stacks of paper or other flammable materials, such as fabric, wood furniture, and plastic bottles.
Also, if your water heater is inside your garage, you should be careful if you store things like your lawn mower in there too. Even though it’s not an empty gasoline container, most lawnmowers need gas to run. So, having an appliance filled with any amount of gas near a water heater is a big fire hazard.
2. It’s important to know how to turn off the water heater. You might not think about it until you’re in a pinch and need to act fast. But knowing how to shut off your water heater beforehand can be a real game-changer.
3. Make sure to keep the area around your water heater free of clutter. We already mentioned the importance of not having flammable objects nearby, but in general, it’s a good idea to avoid cluttering the space around your water heater with any items. Think of it as giving your water heater some “breathing space”. You want to ensure that there is enough room for airflow so that the air can circulate properly. Having items stacked around or in front of your water heater can hinder proper airflow and pose a real fire hazard. So, let’s keep that space clear and safe!
4. Don’t forget to schedule your annual plumbing inspection! It’s super important for preventative care. Our expert plumbers at Cincinnati Plumbing & Drain will thoroughly check all your plumbing equipment, like pipes, drainage systems, sinks, toilets, showers, water heaters, and other plumbing-related appliances. This way, we can make sure everything’s working as it should and catch any potential problems before they become big headaches. It’s all about keeping your home safe and sound!
We highly suggest prioritizing safety and taking good care of your water heater. 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 Cincinnati Plumbing & Drain for all your plumbing needs at (513) 463 – 6947, or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!
