Proper Installation and Maintenance Key to Safety
Generally water heaters are pretty safe, whether fueled by gas, propane or electricity. That said, they are not without risks, which is why proper installation is imperative. And while many municipalities permit do it yourselfers to install water heaters, its best to leave that task to pro’s unless you really know what you are doing.
Here are a couple of recent mishaps to accentuate the point.
Two injured in explosion in Harvey County house
HARVEY COUNTY, Kan. (KWCH) Two people were injured in a Harvey County home explosion Tuesday night in the 5700 block of N. Halstead Road, north of Halstead and just southwest of Hesston.
Officials say the source of the explosion was a hot water heater. The hot water heater was on the first floor of the home. A husband and wife were home when the explosion occurred and both were transported from the scene by ambulance. The woman remained in critical condition Wednesday night. Her husband was listed in fair condition. Via kwch.com
Hot water heater explosion suspected in Richmond apartment fire | WTVR.com
RICHMOND, Va. – A malfunctioning hot water heater is the suspect in an apartment fire that erupted just before noon in Richmond, according to officials.
Firefighters arrived in the 900 block of St. John’s Wood Drive to find smoke coming from two-story apartment.
It is possible the hot water heater exploded, officials said. The incident is still under investigation. Via wtvr.com
Water heater explosion burns Allegan County house down, says fire chief | MLive.com
VALLEY TOWNSHIP, MI — An Allegan County home is a total loss after a hot water heater explosion sparked a devastating fire and partial roof collapse, say officials.
The three people in the house escaped without injury, he said. The American Red Cross was on scene Sunday morning to help the displaced residents.
He estimated the house to be roughly 1,700 square feet. The home’s hot water heater was replaced earlier in the day, he said. “For some unknown reason, it exploded.” The fire then spread through the house. Via mlive.com
Plumber explains what to look out for on hot water heater after explosion near Halstead
A woman remains in critical condition, after being hurt in a hot water heater explosion.
“Most times water heaters are extremely safe, but you do have times when they are not,” said J Loibl, a plumber with Benjamin Franklin Plumbing.
Loibl explains whether you have a natural gas or propane water heater.
Don’t panic, he said there are several things a homeowner can do to prevent a leak from causing an explosion. read more at kwch.com
We share these stories not to alarm, but to stress the point, that household appliances can carry a level of risk. This risk is lessened by being sure your appliances are installed by competent personnel. There after, it is important to understand some basics, such as making sure your pilot light is operating properly.
And if you every suspect something may be wrong, it pays to call a professional to check your equipment. It is far better to spend a few dollars unnecessarily than to live or not live through an explosion and/or fire.