Water Heater Safety
Water heaters are an important part of your home, whether you realize it or not. They are used every single day to heat the water you use. They heat the sink water when you’re washing your hands, the shower when you turn the knob to H, the water that cycles through the dishwasher, as well as the water that cleans your clothes in the washing machine. While water heaters are very helpful, they can also be dangerous in the event of a natural disaster. Earthquakes, floods, and fires can occur unexpectedly. Protect your home and secure your water heater with these helpful tips from Stephens Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning.
Strap Your Heater
Water heaters can be located in a number of places. Depending on the type of heater, you can have it on the interior or exterior of your home. Some common areas include the garage, basement, under the sink, or outside. Wherever your heater is, you need to make sure that it is secure, especially when earthquakes occur. Water heaters must be strapped and attached to a wall. It is important to know how many gallons your water heater holds because that will determine how many straps are needed. Strapping in your heater will prevent it from causing potential gas leaks and other damage to your home.
Protect from Floods
Protect your water heater from damage caused by flooding. Flooding occurs when there are heavy rainstorms as well as inclement weather. Try to place your water heater far from the ground if possible. You can get a waterproof cover to ensure your heater does not get wet if submerged in water. A sump pump can also be used to keep low-level areas of your home free of water in case it leaks in. If you find that your water heater has been affected by flooding, do not attempt to use or touch the controls.
Prevent Home Fires
Water heaters can cause unwanted fires, which can seriously damage your home. To avoid these, it is important to take proper safety precautions when using a water heater. You can prevent a fire caused by a gas leak by having your water heater inspected on a routine basis. Keep any flammable materials away from your water heater at all times. Be knowledgeable on how to turn it off if you notice something suspicious. Make sure there is high ventilation around your water heater and that the heater isn’t too hot.
Call Stephens for Water Heater Help
Having a reliable water heater is important. When natural disasters strike, being prepared is the best way to prevent further damage to your home and water heater. If you need help or guidance when it comes to your heating system, Stephens is more than happy to handle your water heating needs. We can assess the heater and figure out what’s wrong. We will repair the system or replace it, in the event of a natural disaster. One of our trained specialists can install your heater for you, preventing any unwanted gas leaks. We offer the best water heating services to ensure your safety.