A water heater is an essential appliance in your home. It provides you with hot water, which you use for everything from washing your hands to cleaning dishes to taking a bath. Unfortunately, water heaters can be unreliable at times. Scalding hot water heaters is one of the major problems that homeowners face.
Scalding hot water heater problems are common in U.S. households. According to the statistics, about 34% of households have experienced scalding hot water heater issues. These statistics can be alarming for anyone who has a family or elderly people living with them.
These problems can cause severe burns and other injuries when an unexpected spill occurs. Do you know the dangers of Scalding hot water heaters?
If not, don’t worry. We’re here to help.
In this article, water heater installation and repair experts will tell you common scalding hot water heater dangers and how to prevent them.
Why Your Water is Piping Hot?
When you think about your water heater, you probably don’t think about it as much as you should. After all, it’s just a box that heats up water for your home—but it’s also a major component of your home’s infrastructure. If it breaks down or malfunctions, it can be an inconvenience and actually a safety hazard.
That’s why it’s important to know what could cause the problem and what you can do to fix it if you notice any problems with your water heater.
The Thermostat Setting
Your water heater has a thermostat that controls the temperature of the water being delivered to your home. If you’ve recently changed the setting on this thermostat, it may be causing your water heater to heat up more than usual. Check the temperature setting on the thermostat and adjust it to a lower temperature if necessary.
Malfunctioning Thermostat
If your thermostat is functioning properly but still shows that your water is running hot, there may be a malfunctioning part in your water heater’s system that causes this problem. This could be a clogged filter or a faulty valve that needs replacement by a professional hot water heater repair in Mooresville, NC plumber.
Sediment Buildup
Sediment buildup can cause the temperature to rise. Sediment is just a fancy word for dirt and grime that has built up over time in your tank, which can trap heat and make it harder for your heater to do its job. A professional hot water heater repair Mooresville, NC, plumber should inspect and replace the valve if necessary.
Defective Pressure Relief Valves (PRV)
Next, defective pressure relief valves (PRV) will also cause issues with your water heater. A PRV is responsible for releasing excess pressure from the tank when the temperature gets too high or if there is excessive sediment buildup inside. If yours isn’t working properly, this could cause your water heater to overheat and fail altogether!
Crossed Plumbing Lines
In some cases, hot and cold water lines can be mistakenly crossed during installation or repairs. This can result in hot water flowing through cold water taps, leading to piping hot water. A water heater repair plumber can assess and correct any plumbing line issues.
5 Scalding Hot Water Heater Dangers
Scalding hot water heaters are dangerous. They can cause serious burns, especially to children and the elderly. One of the main dangers is that people often don’t realize how hot their water heater is until they are already scalded by it.
To help avoid any unnecessary injuries, here are five scalding hot water heater dangers you should be aware of:
Burns and scalds
Burns and scalds are two of the most common injuries caused by hot water heaters. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), more than 30,000 people per year suffer from burns or scalds related to hot water heaters. Additionally, water that is excessively hot can cause severe burns and scalds if it comes into contact with your skin. This is especially dangerous for children, older adults, and people with reduced mobility or sensitivity.
Increased risk of accidents
Scalding hot water heaters can also increase your risk of accidents in other ways. If you don’t have adequate ventilation in your bathroom, for example, then the steam from your shower may cause a fire. And if you’re not careful while taking a bath or shower, you could slip and fall on wet tile—which happens more often than you might think!
Increased risk of scalding in the shower or bath
If the water heater temperature is set too high, it can result in scalding water flowing from the showerhead or faucet. This can cause serious injuries, especially if someone is not able to quickly adjust the water temperature or move away from the hot water stream. In fact, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) estimates that about 8,400 people in the United States receive burn injuries from scalding water every year. Most of these injuries occur in the bathroom or kitchen, where the temperature of the water is most likely to be dangerously high.
Damage to plumbing fixtures
When water is heated at too high a temperature, it can damage your bathroom’s pipes and fixtures and produce mineral deposits that can clog them up completely over time. These mineral deposits can also contribute to hard-water buildup in your faucets and showerheads, which can make bathing more difficult than it needs to be while also increasing your risk of skin irritation and other problems such as acne breakouts or rashes. This can also lead to mold growth in your bathroom, which could cause further problems with allergies and asthma symptoms if you already have any issues with these conditions (which many people do).
Increased energy consumption and costs
If your water heater produces scalding-hot water, you’re using more energy than necessary. This can add up to hundreds or even thousands of dollars per year in energy costs. To avoid this, ensure you’re checking your water’s temperature before using it for things like dishwashing, bathing, or laundry. You should also only run cold water through the pipes leading to your hot water tank until they have time to cool down again after use.
How to Prevent Household Scalds?
If you’ve ever been scalded by hot water, you know how painful it can be. If you’re a parent, you might also know how hard it is to watch your child suffer from a burn and not be able to do anything about it.
But there are some things that can help prevent scalds in the home—and they’re simple things, like keeping hot water temperatures down and keeping spoons away from small children.
Here are eight tips for how to prevent household scalds:
Set your water heater temperature appropriately.
Set your water heater temperature to a safe level, typically around 120 degrees Fahrenheit (49 degrees Celsius). This temperature is hot enough for most household needs while reducing the risk of scalds. Consult your water heater manual or a professional if you’re unsure how to adjust the temperature.
Test the water temperature before using it.
One of the most common causes of scalding is overheating water. To prevent this, test the temperature of your water before using it. If it’s too hot, you risk scalding yourself.
Install anti-scald devices in your bathroom.
Anti-scald devices help keep water at a safe temperature, even if you have an old or faulty thermometer. They’re easy to install and can be purchased at any hardware store.
Supervise children and the elderly.
Children are especially vulnerable to scalds because they are curious, easily distracted, and often unaware of the dangers of hot water. The elderly can also be at risk due to their slower reaction times. Supervising kids and older adults while they’re in the kitchen is one of the best ways to prevent scalds.
Teach and practice safe habits.
Make sure you know where your water heater is located, how much pressure it puts out, and where your hot water faucet is located on your sink or stove. Teach kids how high up they need to hold their hands when using any type of appliance that heats up water (like a coffee pot). Practice good fire safety practices in your home by installing smoke alarms in every bedroom and on every level of your house.
Secure hot water handles.
Hot water handles can be a dangerous household hazard, especially for small children. To prevent scalding, make sure the handle is turned to “Off” when not in use, and secure it with a childproof lock when you’re not at home.
Regularly maintain your water heater.
Water heaters have an average lifespan of 10 years, but many people don’t realize how much their functionality is affected by age until it’s too late, and they’re dealing with malfunctioning equipment that could cause a fire or other dangerous issues if not properly maintained or replaced when necessary! Make sure you schedule annual maintenance for your water heater so it stays in good working condition for years to come! If something seems wrong with yours—like it’s leaking or making strange noises—call a professional water heater repair plumber immediately so they can come out and fix whatever problem there might be before it gets worse!
Be cautious during adjustments or repairs.
Always exercise caution when adjusting or repairing your water heaters, as these appliances can be dangerous. When you’re working with them, make sure that you’ve turned off the power, and then work in well-lit areas with no distractions so that you can focus on the task at hand. Don’t leave the area while the appliance is still hot.
DIY Vs. Professional Water Heater Maintenance: Which One To Choose?
When it comes to maintaining your water heater, there are two significant options: DIY and professional maintenance. Each of these options has its advantages and disadvantages.
Here’s a comparison table highlighting the differences between DIY (Do-It-Yourself) and professional water heater maintenance:
| Aspect | DIY Water Heater Maintenance | Professional Water Heater Maintenance |
| Skill and Knowledge Required | Basic plumbing and maintenance skills required | Professional expertise and knowledge of water heaters |
| Cost | Lower cost as you perform the maintenance yourself | Higher cost for professional service |
| Safety | Moderate risk if not experienced with plumbing | Professional technicians are trained in safety measures |
| Time Investment | May take longer if you are not familiar with the process | Efficient and timely service by professionals |
| Quality of Maintenance | Relies on your expertise and thoroughness | Professionals have experience and specialized tools |
| Warranty Considerations | DIY maintenance may not void the warranty | Professional maintenance may be required to maintain the warranty |
| Complex Issues | Limited ability to handle complex repairs or issues | Professionals can diagnose and fix complex problems |
| Convenience | Depends on your availability and schedule | Professionals offer convenience and peace of mind |
While performing basic maintenance tasks such as flushing the tank or replacing the sacrificial anode rod can be done by homeowners with some plumbing knowledge, more complex issues or repairs are better left to professionals. Professional water heater maintenance ensures thorough inspections, accurate adjustments, and proper repair of any issues, giving you complete peace of mind and reducing the risk of future problems.
It’s essential to consider your comfort level, skill set, and the complexity of the maintenance task when deciding whether to opt for DIY or professional water heater maintenance. If you’re unsure or lack the necessary expertise, it’s generally recommended to seek professional assistance to ensure the job is done correctly and safely.
It’s Time to Get Your Hot Water Heater Repaired by Professional Plumber!
Are you tired of having to wait for hot water in your home? Do you have a faulty water heater that’s been making a strange noise lately? Is your water heater need repair?
If so, then it’s time you called Wicker Trade Service Inc.! We’ve been providing Tank Water Heater Services in Mooresville since 2002, and we’re proud to be the first choice for thousands of local homeowners.
Our team of experts is ready to take on any task, from installing a new water heater to repairing your old one. Not only do we have decades’ worth of experience in the industry, but we also have extensive training in water heater repair and maintenance. We know how important it is to get your equipment up and running as quickly as possible, so we take our job seriously. We also offer a comprehensive range of services, including:
– Water heater installation, repair & maintenance
– Faucet repair & replacement
– Toilet repair & installation
– Sewer line cleaning
– Drain cleaning
– 24*7 emergency plumbing service
– Commercial plumbing service
– Garbage disposal installation and repair
– Gas Line Installation & Repair
– And many more…
Moreover, we offer same-day service on most jobs, so if you’re experiencing an issue with your water system and need someone right now, give us a call at (704) 228-4647!
Our team of plumbers is licensed, skilled, and trained to work with all types of water heaters. They will immediately diagnose water heater problems before getting started on repairs or installation so that you can be certain knowing that things are running smoothly again. We want nothing more than for our customers to feel safe about their homes, so we’ll always work hard to ensure everything stays up and running smoothly.
So if you’re looking for an affordable option for getting your heater working again or upgrading from an older model, call us today at (704) 340-4810!