Water Heater Safety

Your home's water heater is designed to provide years of reliable efficient water heating. Did you know that water heaters also have important safety features. Here are some of the features designed to prevent common safety hazards:

Excessive Water Pressure

One of the most important components on a water heater are the temperature and pressure relief valve. If the water pressure or temperature in the tank gets too high, this valve will stop the flow of water.

Scalding

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

Bacteria

Warm water can be a breeding ground for many types of bacteria. One of these, legionella, causes Legionnaire's disease. It can grow in water heaters where 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 always stays above 122° F.

Backflow

Backflow happens when clean water and non-potable mix. It usually occurs when the pressure in the system changes and waste water is drawn into the supply system. To prevent backflow contamination water heaters employ a one-way valve and in some cases a pressure overflow tank to prevent contamination. Have questions about your water heater? Give ABC Plumbing, Sewer, Heating, Cooling and Electric a call, we're here to help.