Hot Water Heater Safety

Set the water temperature below 120 degrees to prevent burns from bath water.

Household water heaters require attention to safety during purchase, installation and use. Choosing the right type of water heater, setting it to the right temperature, and proper maintenance are crucial to keeping you and your family safe.

Choice

Install the appropriate size of heater for your home. Carefully consider the type of heater to buy, whether electric, gas, or other. Gas heaters are more efficient, but safety considerations such as venting and the pilot flame need to be considered.

Water Temperature

Set the temperature adjuster on your water tank to a setting below 120 degrees Fahrenheit. If hotter than 120 degrees, bath water has the potential to burn a child. Keeping it at this setting protects your family and reduces energy use.

Gas Water Heaters

Install carbon monoxide detectors if you have a gas water heater. Newer models are engineered to prevent the pilot light from having contact with vapors that can ignite. The gas models featuring this characteristic hold 30, 40 or 50 gallons.

Venting

Gas water heaters should have direct venting systems. These closed systems bring in required ventilation air and remove toxic fumes.

Maintenance

Have a licensed professional inspect and clean your water heater annually. When a water heater's interior is kept clean, sediment is not allowed to accumulate. Such accumulation could cause the tank to fail early in its life. Annual maintenance also keeps the water heater running efficiently.

References

• dllr.maryland.gov: Safety Inspections - Boiler and Pressure Vessel Safety - Do's and Dont's of Hot Water Heater Safety
• Consumer Reports: Storage Tank Water Heaters: Hot Tips for a Better Buy
• American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy: Consumer Guide to Home Energy Savings: Condensed Online Version