Did you know indoor plumbing possibly dates all the way back to 2500 B.C.?
Yet, water heaters are a relatively new technology! Homeowners and businesses rely on heated water daily to perform simple tasks such as cleaning, cooking and sanitizing, among others.
The irony is that we don’t even think of our water heater until it breaks down and another takes the unit’s place. Additionally, we also tend not to care about implementing any safety measures to ensure proper use of water heater units.
It’s important to stay up-to-date with typical usage protocol and safety measures to promote prolonged water heater service and excellent performance. Here are some dos and don’ts that should be implemented to promote water heater safety:
Important Do's - Adequate Ventilation
Is your gas-powered water heater installed in a properly ventilated area? Gas water heater units give off carbon monoxide. This gas is odorless and toxic when inhaled!
Ensure that the area is properly ventilated by calling a professional to check the scene. Conduct unit maintenance to avoid leaks in the future.
Test Once Every Year
The safety valve attached to the unit must be checked at least once a year, to see if the valve operates correctly or not.
Many people don’t realize the importance of a safety valve’s proper operation. The device protects the heater from over-pressurizing and from exceeding temperature of 210 degrees Fahrenheit.
Set Temperature at the Lowest Setting
Are you going away on a vacation? It is a good idea to set the water heater temperature at the lowest setting possible, seeing you won’t be needing hot water.
Ideal temperature according to Miami Water Heater should be below 120 degrees Fahrenheit when setting off for a vacation.
This setting will save a lot of money and reduce issues with the heater while you are away.
Important Don’ts - Store Items around the Heater
Storing or huddling items around your water heater unit is frowned upon by manufacturers. It doesn’t matter if the unit is newly installed or has seen some years; this action poses a huge hazard.
Don’t place any combustible material near the water heater – all such materials need to be placed at least 18 inches away from the unit.
What will happen? Flammable items can easily catch fire… damaging your home.
Some other don’ts are:
- Don’t set the water heater temperature above 120 degrees Fahrenheit
- Don’t ignore signs that your unit needs maintenance
- Don’t try to repair water heater tank yourself or even install the unit
Always opt for professional installation or maintenance of your commercial or residential electric water heater or residential gas water heater … What about choosing one?
Look at Miami Water Heater’s extensive catalogue of water heaters available in many designs and types.