Five Safety Tips for Your Water Heater

Did you know that water heaters are responsible for about 10 percent of the fires started by home heating devices?

Don’t get us wrong – that doesn’t mean that water heaters are inherently dangerous. It just means that improper use and neglect of your water heater could lead to problems down the road that can easily be avoided.

Here are five helpful tips that can help keep your Maryland home safe from fire danger with your water heater.

  1. Get your water heater checked every year. Don’t wait until your water heater breaks down to have it serviced; get professional service once a year to detect and even prevent problems that could pose safety risks if they go unresolved.
  2. Keep flammable materials away from your water heater. Oily rags, paint and stripping products and gas cans should be kept far away from your water heater’s pilot light.
  3. Know how to shut down your water heater in an emergency. This is especially helpful when there is fire danger – if you smell gas, for example, or if you discover a gas leak.
  4. Keep the area around your water heater clear of debris and well ventilated. A water heater needs breathing room for the pilot assembly to burn properly. If airflow is cut off by debris and clutter stacked around the water heater, it could pose a fire hazard. Ventilation helps to keep flammable fumes away from the water heater’s pilot light.
  5. Consider upgrading your old water heater. Today’s water heaters are safer than ever – certainly safer than an aging water heater unit, especially that’s not been well maintained. With an upgrade, you’ll see significant improvements in your energy bills, too – enough to offset the cost of replacing in just a few years.

Safety first, now and always! And if you’re ready for a water heater upgrade, contact us and ask how you can save $100 on a new high efficiency replacement for your Maryland home.

For everything you need in home heating, trust the pros at Carroll Home Services – keeping Maryland homes warm for more than a century! Contact us to get started today!