Here’s Another Way to Help Ensure Your Family’s Safety & Ongoing Indoor Comfort

How can you tell if your water heater isn’t functioning properly?  The fact is, sometimes you can’t tell…not right away, anyway.  You see, besides not delivering an adequate supply of hot water, your home water heater can also develop a gas for carbon monoxide leak.  Either way, that can be a dangerous situation.

The good news is that you don’t need to be an expert plumber to help prevent serious safety issues by observing the following self-help tips for your Omaha or Council Bluffs home.

Turn it Down!

To help prevent scalding, set or re-set your water heater temperature to 120 degrees. Many plumbers may initially set your water heater to 140 degrees, a temperature that could cause scalding.  Just remember to check the instructions for your particular model before adjusting the temperature control.

Check it Out!

Examine your water heater periodically. Check for water leaks which can damage your home.  Check inside the combustion chamber where the flame should be burning mostly blue. The chamber should be somewhat free of dust, and the chamber roof free of rust and black soot. You should also check the burner periodically. If rust is collecting in the burner compartment, it’s time to have your water heater serviced by a professional.

Overall, we recommend checking your system once a month while scheduling a professional tune-up and inspection once a year.

Clean it Up!

Keep the area around the water heater clean and clear. Dust can take years off a water heater’s life. Brooms, paint brushes and other items that commonly get stored in the utility closet can catch fire if placed too close to the combustion chamber or water heater.

Be on the Alert for Gas Leaks!

If you smell gas in your home, and your only gas appliance is your water heater, here’s what to do (and not do) next:

  • Don’t turn on a light switch or touch anything that might cause static spark.
  • Leave your house as immediately, leaving at least some windows and doors open.
  • Call your gas supplier from a safe location outside the house.
  • Turn off the main shut-off valve at the gas meter.  If you don’t know what that is and want to be sure you’re doing it correctly, give us a call.

To play it even more safely, we recommend installing a gas detection meter.   It will go a long way to ensuring your long-term safety.

When was the last time your water heater was properly inspected?  If you can’t remember, then it’s been too long.  For prompt and dependable service, with your satisfaction guaranteed, contact the plumbing professionals at Burton A/C, Heating, Plumbing, & Electrical today.

402-343-0011
Click here for answers to your questions or to schedule service now