Water Heater Safety

Water heaters are energy efficient and provide a reliable source of hot water. What you may not know is they employ numerous safety features to reduce a few common safety hazards, these hazards include:

Excessive Hot Water Pressure

One of the most important parts on a water heater is the temperature and pressure relief valve. If the water pressure or temperature inside the tank get too high, the valve will prevent damage to the unit.

Hot Water Scalding

Preventing scalding is especially important in households with children or elderly. Because the temperature of the water that first flows out of the tap can be very hot, a temping valve is used to reduce the danger of scalding.

Bacterial Infections

When the temperature of the water is kept too low bacteria such as legionella, which causes Legionnaire’s disease, can grow in water heaters if the water is not hot enough to kill it. The best way of preventing bacteria from growing in your hot water system is to ensure the temperature stays above 122° F.

Wastewater Backflow

Backflow occurs when drinking water and non-potable wastewater mix. It most often occurs when the pressure in the system changes and waste water is drawn into the supply system. To prevent backflow contamination water heaters use a one-way valve and in some cases a pressure overflow tank to prevent contamination.

Have questions about your water heater? Give ABC Southwest Plumbing & Air Conditioning a call, we’re here to help.