Water heaters are only one of the things considered when reviewing potential dangers in a home. And it’s true that when well-cared for and safely operated, they can be reliable producers of warm water. However, homeowners should be mindful of the potential problems to avoid them.
Here are some safety tips for a propane water heater.
ENSURE THE TANK IS DRAINED REGULARLY
If the tank doesn’t isn’t flushed occasionally, the sediment that builds up can isolate the bottom of the tank from the rest of the water. As a result, the tank isn’t protected from rust, which can rust out and cause leaks that may flood the home. As long as the water doesn’t have a lot of particles or dissolved minerals, the homeowner should only need to have the tank flushed once a year.
CHECK THE ANODE ROD AND TPR VALVE
The anode protects the inside of a water heater tank from rust, so if it breaks off or becomes corroded, the tank may rust. These rods generally last several years, and checking them is pretty straightforward.
The TPR valve also needs to be checked regularly. If there’s water coming out of the valve, contact a professional for a service call. Otherwise, a professional must check the valve once or twice a year.
HAVE A PROFESSIONAL COMPLETE REGULAR MAINTENANCE
As mentioned earlier, a professional can check all the items, but there’s more to it than that. A professional can also check the propane supply for leaks, ensure the venting system works correctly and is installed correctly (for example, the vent should lead straight to the outdoors without doubling back on itself), and more.
INSTALL PROPANE GAS AND CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTORS
Propane gas and carbon monoxide detectors can alert residents if there’s a problem with their venting or gas line. This warning is critical because, especially in the case of carbon monoxide, homeowners might only detect the problem after it occurs, and carbon monoxide is a life-threatening problem.
MAINTAIN A WORKABLE LEVEL OF PROPANE AT ALL TIMES
Running out of propane gas exposes a home’s residents to several hazards, such as leaks and condensation build-up. Be sure to keep the deliveries scheduled regularly, and if the propane levels are unexpectedly low, stop using the propane appliances until the tank can be filled.
These safety tips will help homeowners live comfortably with their propane water heater and keep it in safe working condition. Contact a water heater specialist for service.
Water Heater Pros provides water heater installation and replacement services for Las Vegas and surrounding area residents and businesses. Our expert technicians install both traditional and tankless water heaters for homes and other buildings with gas or electric service. We offer the highest quality installers for efficient, versatile water heaters such as Rheem. Ruud, high-efficiency tankless Navien units, and more. Ask about our installation specials.