Don’t Take Your Water Heater for Granted

Do you know anyone who has had to redo their basements because of flooding caused by a failed water heater?  I know two families in the midst of the painful steps of recovering from this household disaster.  Let’s learn from their experience.

Because most water heaters are often tucked away in the basement, garage or an outside closet, we forget about them as long as we have sufficient hot water at command.

When did you last inspect your water heater?  It should be done annually.  As time pushes against the suggested life of this appliance, inspect more frequently.  If you are beyond the common life span (usually 7 years), pay attention.

Consider having a trusted plumbing professional do that inspection --- not every vulnerability is visible to the untrained eye.  For example, a failing temperature or pressure relief valve (that helps prevent a water heater burst) could fail.


Does your water heater have external signs of failing like leaks, rust spots?

Is it properly vented to the outside to prevent fumes and carbon monoxide from reentering the room?

Does your water heater deliver enough hot water to meet your family needs? 

Temperature settings are commonly warm, hot, very hot and a range of settings between each.  You want it to deliver at least 120 degrees at the tap to kill germs.  But keep in mind, with hotter temps you risk scalding and burns.  Verify with a meat/ candy thermometer.

Vacation temperature setting is at the lowest setting. This is economical and reduces the risk of problems happening while you are away.

Safety Tips.

Water heater strapping to wall studs is vital for those of us who live in earthquake country.  A falling water heater can produce fire-causing sparks at a time when fire responders will not be available.  Strapping is thought to be a good idea, even if you live outside an earthquake zone.  A falling water heater could sever the gas line and cause an explosion.

Consider installing an auto gas-shut-off if the ground moves.

Move combustibles from around the water heater.

Pipe wrap & insulation guidelines say not to use within six inches of the draft hood or flue exhaust vent at the top of the natural gas water heater.