Fire Prevention Month was initially established as National Fire Prevention Week in 1922 to remember the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. It was later extended to span the entire month. Did you know that, on average, there are about 358,500 house fires per year, with approximately 5,400 of those being tracked back to water heaters? While this in no way means that water heaters are not inherently dangerous, it is important to emphasize that neglecting proper practices and failing to practice safety can have serious consequences.
Join your Kettering Plumbing & Drain family as we walk you through all you need to know about water heater fire prevention.
GAS OR ELECTRIC WATER HEATERS
Before discussing safety tips, let’s first compare gas and water heaters and their differences. Although their sources may vary, their operational methods and internal mechanics are quite similar. So, does one have an advantage over the other in terms of safety? While this may be a topic open to debate, let’s prioritize understanding their sources and 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 and the flammable vapor comes into contact with the ignition flame, there is a higher risk of a vapor-induced explosion. However, the good news is that newer water heater models are typically sealed at the bottom, which prevents the ignition flame from coming into contact with flammable vapors. To prioritize safety, though, it’s always a good idea to use a Carbon Monoxide & Explosive Gas Detector in your home, regardless of the age of your water heater. These hybrid alarms can detect carbon monoxide and natural gases like methane and propane.
Electric Water Heaters: Electric water heaters use electricity as their source, so it’s important to be mindful of signs of overheating or electrical fires. There can be several reasons for an electric water heater overheating. (For more information on this topic, click here.) If your water heater’s temperature is above 140ºF, try lowering it. If the issue persists, it’s recommended to seek professional assistance. Keep in mind that it’s generally advised to keep water heaters set between 120ºF and 140ºF.
WATER HEATER SAFETY TIPS FOR FIRE PREVENTION
1. Ensure that flammable materials are kept at a safe distance from your water heater and its surrounding area. Examples of such materials include, but are not limited to: Paint cans or canisters, empty gasoline containers, rags, household chemicals such as cleaning products, cardboard boxes, stacks of paper or other flammable materials, such as fabric. Additionally, if your water heater is located in your garage, please be cautious if you also store items like your lawn mower in there. While it may not be a gasoline container, keep in mind that most lawnmowers require gas to operate. Therefore, placing a gas-filled appliance near a water heater poses a significant fire hazard.
2. Learn how to turn off your water heater. This may not be something you have considered and may not need to until you’re in a critical situation requiring prompt action. So, knowing how to shut off your water heater in advance can be more valuable than you realize.
3. Make sure to keep the area around your water heater clear of any clutter. You already know you should avoid storing flammable items nearby, but in general, it’s best to keep the space around your water heater free from any objects. Think of it as giving your water heater enough room to breathe. It needs proper airflow for optimal performance. Having items stacked around or in front of your water heater can block the airflow and pose a serious fire hazard.
4. Make sure to schedule your annual plumbing inspection. It’s crucial for preventative care to have a professional plumber inspect your plumbing system once a year. Your plumbing system consists of various components, including pipes, drainage systems, sinks, toilets, showers, water heaters, and other plumbing-related appliances. When you book an inspection with Kettering Plumbing & Drain, our expert plumbers thoroughly check all your plumbing equipment. This inspection helps ensure everything is functioning correctly and allows us to detect potential problems before they become larger and more dangerous issues in the future.
Always prioritize safety and proper care for your water heater. Our main goal is to ensure the safety of you and your family! 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 Kettering Plumbing & Drain for all your plumbing needs today at (937) 764-3788, or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!