Specific to Gas-Fired Water Heaters Paint thinner, cleaning agents, and gasoline are all examples of dangerous liquids which should be poured and stored well away from the water heater. Never set off aerosol bug bombs nearby without first properly shutting off the gas supply and extinguishing the pilot light.
DON'T set your water heater temperature above 120 degrees Fahrenheit. DON'T keep combustible material within 18 inches of the hot water heater. DON'T leave children unattended around a hot water heater. DON'T allow plaque and sediment to build up in your tank.
A: Common causes of water heater malfunctions include sediment buildup, faulty heating elements or thermostats, corroded anode rods, and excessive water pressure. Regular maintenance can help prevent many of these issues.
If you have any gas-fueled appliances (water heater, furnace, oven, clothes dryer, etc.) in your home, a carbon monoxide detector is imperative. The Consumer Product Safety Commission warns carbon monoxide poisoning kills 200 people each year and causes another 10,000 to need hospital treatment.
§40-37 Appliances in Sleeping Rooms
Gas-fueled water heaters shall not be installed in a room occupied for sleeping purposes, in bathrooms, or in any occupied room normally kept closed.
Gas combustion produces carbon monoxide, an odourless, colourless gas that can be deadly. Even small leaks can build up to dangerous levels, especially while asleep. Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include headache, dizziness, nausea, and shortness of breath.
Gas-fired water heaters use fuel combustion for heat. For safety, do NOT install them in bathrooms, clothes closets, or rooms used for sleeping. Do not install them in any closet or or confined space that open into a bathroom or bedroom. Exception: Direct vent water heaters.
However, if your gas water heater is not getting adequate combustion air, or if the exhaust is not venting properly due to blockage or incorrect installation, combustion gases could be back-drafted into the home — exposing the residents to carbon monoxide (CO) and other harmful gases.
If you have a gas furnace, water heater, fireplace, cook stove, or oven, you are always best to have one CO detector in the hallway near your bedrooms and additional detectors near each gas-burning appliance.
If flammable items, such as cardboard boxes, paper products, cleaning chemicals, or even certain fabrics, are stored nearby, they can easily catch fire. This risk is particularly pronounced with gas water heaters, which have a pilot light or burner that could ignite these materials.
Average Lifespan Of A Hot Water Heater
With regular inspection, draining, and flushing, you can expect a gas water heater to last anywhere from 8-12 years and an electric water heater to last anywhere from 10-15 years.
Electric water heaters are available in both tank-type and tankless models. Tankless models are more space-efficient since they don't require a storage tank. Electric water heaters are less expensive to operate than gas models. It's generally safer than gas water heaters since there's no risk of gas leaks.
Health problems that seem to be worse or only occur when the heating is on may be caused by carbon monoxide from a faulty gas heater. Carbon monoxide is colourless and odourless. High levels of carbon monoxide in the air are very dangerous and may cause people to pass out or even die.
When do I want to flush my hot water heater? Most homeowners should flush their water heaters every 6 months or so, but if you have extremely hard water, you may want to do it more often.
Final answer: The most critical safety hazard to report with a gas water heater is a TPR valve without a proper pipe to the floor, which poses immediate risks of scalding and damage in case the valve discharges.
Your gas water heater should be 18 inches off of the ground, as per the National Fuel Gas Code. This is the standard for water heater installation requirements.
The only way to tell if your house has a carbon monoxide leak is with a carbon monoxide detector. Therefore, it is a necessity to have at least one carbon monoxide detector installed near your water heater, as well as on all floors of your home.
Gas water heaters include a tank, dip tube and discharge pipe; gas burner and assembly; an exhaust flue; a pressure release valve; and a drain valve. Note: Tankless gas water heaters have different installation demands. Be sure to check your owner's manual for your model's requirements.
Bacteria Growth
If your water smells or tastes odd, there may be bacteria growing inside the tank that can make you sick. An older water heater has a harder time maintaining a hot enough temperature to kill off bacteria.
Even without discernable wind, outdoor spaces take care of the carbon monoxide issue well enough that outside propane heaters don't use any failsafe to prevent its buildup. That's why it's so important to never use an outdoor heater indoors.
Downsides of Gas Water Heaters
While your energy bills will likely be lower with a gas water heater, gas models cost more upfront and they're more costly in terms of maintenance and installation.
Gas water heaters produce combustible gases, like natural gas or propane, which need adequate ventilation for safe operation. Bedrooms lack the necessary ventilation to disperse and eliminate potentially harmful gases, making this option unsafe and non-compliant with building codes.
Factors to Consider with an Outdoor Water Heater Enclosure
Building an enclosure without ventilation may cause the system to overheat, resulting in a breakdown. Generally, these systems require vents at the top to release heat and gases. You also want to make sure you have enough space inside any enclosure.
In September 2022, the California Air Resources Board voted to ban the sale of new natural gas furnaces and heaters by 2030. Homes will be required to install zero-emissions alternatives, like electric heaters.
The water heater installation code requirements state that gas- and oil-fired water heaters with an ignition source require a raised platform that lifts them at least 18 inches from the floor. This ensures that if a spark or flame occurs, it remains away from any possible flammable vapors that may appear on the floor.