Water Heater Safety Tips Every Homeowner Should Know

Hot water is an essential part of our daily lives. We need it to cook, stay clean, and hydrate. That’s why it’s important to protect and maintain your home’s water heater.

As a homeowner, you need to make sure this essential system is operating properly and efficiently throughout the year. While our plumbing experts can conduct routine maintenance on your system, there are a few key parts of your water heater that you should also be able to inspect.

Our experts at Roth Home, Plumbing, Electrical and Drain Services have gathered a few key safety tips that you should always remember when you inspect your water heater:

1. Check the Temperature/Pressure Relief Valve – If the pressure or temperature of your water heater exceeds its safety limits, this valve will keep your system from exploding. Inspect and test this valve at least once per year to make sure water flows easily when the valve is open.
2. Inspect The Ventilation And Placement Of Your Water Heater – New homeowners should make sure their water heater is secure, located on a flat and stable surface, and has proper ventilation outside of your home. If you notice any changes to the placement of your water heater or ventilation around it, then you need to contact a plumbing professional immediately.
3. Check The Carbon Monoxide Detector Near Your Water Heater – Carbon monoxide fumes are odorless, tasteless and dangerous. The only way to know whether your water heater is releasing this fumes is through an operational carbon monoxide detector. Keep your home and family safe by checking this detector at least once per month if it is not battery operated. Battery operated detectors should be checked once every six months.
4. Remove Objects That Can Cause A Fire Hazard – Similar to overcrowding your HVAC system, it’s also possible to overcrowd your home’s water heater. While it can be tempting to take advantage of storage space nearby, doing so can also cause a fire hazard if the water heater malfunctions or lacks proper ventilation. Place all combustible objects at least three feet away from your water heater.
5. Temperatures Should Stay Between 120 and 140 Degrees Fahrenheit – Avoid the development of harmful bacteria in your home’s water supply by keeping temperatures higher.

While most residential heaters don’t have a gauge to tell you the exact temperature, you can run your home’s hot water tap for three minutes, fill a glass with it and check the water with a meat thermometer. If the temperature is below 120 degrees, then you should adjust the system’s temperature dial, wait three hours, test again and then call a plumber if nothing changes.

Water Heater Repairs In Hillsboro, Oregon

At Roth Home, Plumbing, Electrical and Drain services, our plumbing experts will make sure your water heater is working properly and safely before we leave your home. With over 40 years of plumbing experience in communities throughout the Portland Metro area, there is no problem too great or too small for us to fix.

If we cannot fix your water heater, then we can offer your options to replace your current system. We offer several types of water heaters that can fit your home and budget.

How Long Does It Take To Replace A Water Heater?

In addition to being a costly investment, we understand that replacing your water heater is also time consuming. Roth’s plumbers prioritize your time, safety and comfort from the moment we set up your appointment to the time we leave. In total, it should take our licensed plumbers approximately 4-6 hours to disconnect your old water heater and install the new one in your home.

For more information on our repair and replacement services, please give us a call at 503-266-1249.