The following are some most serious risks that you should know.
Sediment Buildup
Over time, sediment builds up in your water heater tank, which can interfere with the water heater’s efficiency and decrease its lifespan. It can also combine with chlorine to form unhealthy chemical compounds in your water. To avoid sediment buildup, water heaters need to be drained periodically. Self-cleaning water heaters eliminate sediment concerns, but older ones should be drained and cleaned about every six months. This is something that the homeowner can normally do on his own by following the manufacturer’s instructions.
Carbon Monoxide Leaks
The leading cause of accidental poisoning in the United States, carbon monoxide is a real and all-too-common danger with gas-burning water heaters. Carbon monoxide is produced when any type of fuel is burned. Usually, it is ventilated to the outside of the home. Carbon monoxide buildup occurs, however, when gas-burning appliances like water heaters are not properly ventilated.
The Potential for Burns
It is important for you to set your water heater to the proper temperature. When the temperature is set too high, you and your family are at risk for burns in the shower or bath. Children and the elderly are especially vulnerable to scalding, even at temperatures that may not seem too hot to others. To avoid the potential for burns altogether, simply lower the temperature setting. In any case, your water heater should never be turned up higher than 120 degrees as this is the highest temperature considered safe.
To prevent a carbon monoxide leak, it’s important to have your water heater (and all gas-burning appliances) inspected and cleaned at least once a year. In addition to properly maintaining your fuel-burning appliances, it’s also important to install a carbon monoxide detector in your home.
Natural Gas Leaks
Particularly common with older water heaters, gas leaks are a risk with any gas-burning appliance. Unlike carbon monoxide, natural gas has a rotten egg smell thanks to an additive provided by the gas company. The specific smell enables a home’s inhabitants to detect a leak quickly and evacuate. When inhaled, natural gas first causes mild symptoms like headaches and dizziness, but can quickly cause much more serious health problems.
Sediment Buildup
Over time, sediment builds up in your water heater tank, which can interfere with the water heater’s efficiency and decrease its lifespan. It can also combine with chlorine to form unhealthy chemical compounds in your water. To avoid sediment buildup, water heaters need to be drained periodically. Self-cleaning water heaters eliminate sediment concerns, but older ones should be drained and cleaned about every six months. This is something that the homeowner can normally do on his own by following the manufacturer’s instructions.
Carbon Monoxide Leaks
The leading cause of accidental poisoning in the United States, carbon monoxide is a real and all-too-common danger with gas-burning water heaters. Carbon monoxide is produced when any type of fuel is burned. Usually, it is ventilated to the outside of the home. Carbon monoxide buildup occurs, however, when gas-burning appliances like water heaters are not properly ventilated.
The Potential for Burns
It is important for you to set your water heater to the proper temperature. When the temperature is set too high, you and your family are at risk for burns in the shower or bath. Children and the elderly are especially vulnerable to scalding, even at temperatures that may not seem too hot to others. To avoid the potential for burns altogether, simply lower the temperature setting. In any case, your water heater should never be turned up higher than 120 degrees as this is the highest temperature considered safe.
To prevent a carbon monoxide leak, it’s important to have your water heater (and all gas-burning appliances) inspected and cleaned at least once a year. In addition to properly maintaining your fuel-burning appliances, it’s also important to install a carbon monoxide detector in your home.
Natural Gas Leaks
Particularly common with older water heaters, gas leaks are a risk with any gas-burning appliance. Unlike carbon monoxide, natural gas has a rotten egg smell thanks to an additive provided by the gas company. The specific smell enables a home’s inhabitants to detect a leak quickly and evacuate. When inhaled, natural gas first causes mild symptoms like headaches and dizziness, but can quickly cause much more serious health problems.
