Most plumbing contractors will quote a flat rate that includes the cost of the water heater and any related installation supplies, delivery of the new water heater, removal and haul-away of the old unit, and installation of the new water heater. Depending on local laws, a permit fee may be required.
Besides the cost of the water heater and any related installation supplies, a water heater replacement installation typically includes delivery of the new water heater, removal and haul-away of the old unit, and installation of the new water heater. Depending on local laws, a permit may be required - fees vary by state, city and municipality. Finally, in some cases, safety improvements may be necessary to bring your system up to code.
Winter is in full swing and that means, in some areas in the United States, temperatures are dropping as low as 16 below zero. If you live an area that’s getting cold outside, the last thing you want is for your hot water to be getting icy as well. That’s why it’s important that you pay attention to key signs regarding the health of your hot water heater.
Having a dysfunctional water heater can lead to a bevy of issues for homeowners. It can mean cold water coming through your pipes, debris getting into your water supply, and a whole lot more.
To help you better see the signs your hot water heater is going out, below, our team has written out some simple identifiers you can rely on.
A good water heater should be capable of supplying you with enough hot water to get you through the day. This includes being able to serve you and your family during showers while washing the dishes, and while doing other hot water necessary activities. If you’re constantly getting stung by cold water in the shower or are noticing that it takes a long time for your water to warm up once it’s running, you’re experiencing one of the primary signs your water heater is going out.
As water heaters get older, they get more leak-prone. Leaks in your hot water heater not only diminish the amount of hot water they can deliver to your home but can also run up your water bill unnecessarily. If you suspect that your water heater may be leaking, call in a water heater professional to service your unit as soon as possible.
Modern water heaters are excellent at efficiently heating water without making a noticeable noise. If you’ve noticed a change in the amount of noise your water heater is making, it could be indicative of a problem that’s forming or one that is already present. The longer you let the issue sit, the more severe and costly it may be to fix it. If you’re hearing loud noises coming from your unit, consider shutting it off and scheduling a repair immediately.
Heaters that are well past their prime may start to get rusted inside. This rust can then find its way into your water supply. Rust can be dangerous when found in water, especially if you consume water from your home’s tap. Again, a repair professional can help advise on how to best remedy rust coming from your heater and will likely point you in the direction of replacement units worth investing in.
One of the simplest signs your hot water heater is going out that you can easily identify is your unit’s age. If you look at your hot water heater’s manufacturer sticker and notice that it’s over 10 years old, you’ll probably want to get your heater looked at. To extend your water heater’s age, consider hiring a professional to flush your unit on an annual basis.
Now that you know the signs your hot water heater is going out, it’s time to do something about it. We recommend contacting our Long Island-based team at Order A Plumber. Order A Plumber has been servicing homeowner’s water heater and other plumbing needs for years. Let us provide you with the same exceptional value.
Original Post: https://www.orderaplumber.com/blog/2019/january/it-s-getting-cold-5-signs-your-hot-water-heater-/
Installing a gas water heater as a DIY homeowner can be risky if not done correctly. Some of the highest risk aspects associated with DIY installation of a gas water heater include:
To minimize these risks, it’s always advisable to hire a professional licensed plumber to handle the installation of a water heater. They have the expertise, tools, and knowledge to ensure that the installation is safe, code-compliant, and free from the risks associated with DIY installation. Additionally, professional installation often comes with warranties and peace of mind.
When well water is present and/or iron-eating bacteria is present, an aluminum anode rod is typically considered to be a better option than a magnesium anode rod.
Here’s why an aluminum anode rod is considered to be a better option for homes with well water:
It’s important to note that even though aluminum anode rods are more resistant to corrosion in well water and water with iron-eating bacteria, it’s still important to regularly check and replace them to ensure that the water heater tank is protected. Additionally, you should consult with a plumber or water treatment professional to determine the best course of action for your specific well water or iron-eating bacteria situation.
Shutting off the gas and water to a failed water heater should be done with safety in mind. Here are the safest steps, in the proper sequence, to accomplish this:
Safety is of utmost importance when dealing with gas appliances and water heaters. If you are unsure about any of these steps or have concerns about gas safety, it is best to contact a qualified professional to handle the situation and address any potential issues with your water heater.
While rare, residential water heater explosions do occur and can be deadly. Explosions are possible with both gas and electric tank water heaters, primarily those that are poorly maintained. You can avoid such a catastrophe when you identify the signs a water heater might explode so you can call for plumbing service immediately.
High internal temperatures and pressure can contribute to a water heater explosion. Units are equipped with safety mechanisms to prevent levels from becoming excessive, but when malfunctions occur, an explosion may result.
When the water heater’s temperature is set too high, thermal expansion of water increases pressure inside the tank to extreme levels. Sediment gathered in the bottom of the tank insulates, which can increase temperatures beyond a safe level. Rust and corrosion of metal components prevent proper performance and impedes pressure regulation. Other component defects can cause increased temperatures and resulting high pressure.
Typically, the system’s temperature and pressure relief valve allow excess pressure to escape the tank – if this component malfunctions, pressure continues to accumulate until the tank can no longer hold.
Gas leaks also create the potential for a hot water heater explosion and the risk of a fire.
When temperature and pressure rise too high, the system produces some warning signs. If you detect any of the following signs your water heater is going to explode, call for emergency plumbing repair service.
The T&P valve regulates temperature and pressure inside the hot water heater tank. When this valve leaks, it’s a sign the component cannot handle internal tank pressure. Defects with the T&P valve are a leading cause of water heater explosions.
When performing as designed, the T&P valve opens when internal pressure reaches a specific set point to relieve thermal expansion which lowers pressure. The valve also opens when water temperatures reach a high set point, allowing cool water to enter that tank and mix to reduce water temperatures. In either scenario, the valve closes once problematic conditions are relieved.
If the T&P valve always remains open, this indicates consistent issues with internal pressure and water temperature. which could cause an explosion should the valve fail.
When tanks are not maintained and flushing is not performed on a regular basis, sediment from the water supply gathers at the bottom of the water heater. Thick layers of sediment effectively become insulation between the water and heating elements, and temperatures increase because the heating elements are unable to efficiently heat the water supply. Popping occurs as water trapped below the sediment against the heating element boils.
A popping sound indicates the presence of sediment and the potential for overheating due to the conditions explained above. Sediment also poses a risk of T&P valve malfunction, as the sediment can clog this component and prevent it from opening when needed to relieve high pressure and temperature conditions, creating issues that are signs your water heater might explode.
Brown water is another sign your water heater may explode as it indicates the presence of sediment in the tank. Hot water from household taps may also present a brown color when rust is present, meaning components of the water heater or the tank have rusted and are at risk for malfunction. Sediment and its indicators are signs a hot water heater might explode.
The smell of rotten eggs near your water heater is another sign your water heater could burst as it indicates a gas leak. Gas leaks occur due to poor installation, damaged gas lines and other system issues. The water heater’s pilot light can ignite the gas, leading to a severe explosion and fire.
A water heater explosion can be devastating. This extreme system failure can cause extensive damage to the home and its plumbing system, and the force of an exploding hot water heater tank has the potential to injure or kill occupants. Diligently watch for signs your water heater might explode, and contact your plumber immediately for emergency plumbing repairs.
Original post: https://grovehvac.com/signs-your-water-heater-is-going-to-explode/
When you have well water, your water heater and other water appliances require extra care to ensure that they function properly and last as long as possible.
Here are a few key things for owners of homes with well water to keep in mind:
By following these best practices, you can help to ensure that your water heater and other appliances are in good working order and that they last as long as possible. More importantly, you can ensure your family has safe healthy water for all your needs.
The water heater may be the most overworked and under-appreciated piece of mechanical equipment in a house. We usually assume it’s doing its job as it should and leave it alone, unless it starts to makes weird and scary noises.
To help you avoid a potentially dangerous and expensive plumbing crisis, we’re looking at four frightening sounds your water heater can make and what they mean.
Original post: https://www.mrplumberatlanta.com/help-guides/four-scary-noises-water-heater-making-might-mean/
A leaking water heater is quite bothersome – It can give off a pretty dangerous vibe and may make taking a shower to appear to be unsafe.
It is perfectly safe to shower when the water heater is leaking. However, in order to prevent further water damage, it is important to figure out what is causing the water leak.
To help you out, we’ve compiled all the information you need to know regarding water heaters – Why they malfunction, what you can do to address such issues, how long they last on average, and much more! Keep reading to find out everything you need to know regarding why a water heater could possibly leak.
There are a number of reasons why water heaters could start leaking, figuring out the exact reason usually requires a close-up inspection.
The most common cause for a leaking water heater is the drain valve, however, there could be a number of other reasons why it has sprung a leak. We’ll take you through the primary reasons as to why water heaters start leaking;
Typically, water heaters have supply lines that are installed to ensure a smooth flow of water into the tank of the water heater. A leak in this part of the setup is most often the culprit and can leak all the way down to the wiring and/or the tank itself. When this happens, it can look like there is an issue with the tank or other parts of the water heater. If the supply tubes are, in fact, faulty, your only option is to replace them. To do so, you can enlist a professional or purchase replacement tubes and swap them out.
Where the water lines connect to the water heater, you’ll find a set of fittings. This is another area in which leaks can be very common. In most cases tightening the fittings slightly solves the problem. Be careful however if you have brass compression fittings. It is very easy to overtighten them. Most brass compression fittings should be hand tightened and then a further quarter turn.
Typically, Temperature and Pressure (T&P) Valves can cause leakage in your unit. That being said, this usually indicates a more serious issue and in most cases, it is advisable to call a plumber.
Most water heaters have a drain in the lowest part of the unit. Depending on the type of valve used the rubber seals in the valve can deteriorate and the valve itself can start leaking. In most cases when the valve is leaking it is necessary to replace the valve. This is doable as a DIY project. Just make sure to buy the right size valve. Here is a 3/4 inch valve with a 2-inch shank from Amazon.
If none of the previous solutions seem to work, odds are your water heater’s tank is leaking. This typically happens when there is a hole in the tank, this can be due to rust or manufacturing defect.
The answer to this question largely depends on the nature and scope of the leak itself.
If the heater is leaking from a fitting or a drain valve theoretically this has no effect on the longevity of the heater and you could use the heater like this for years.
Provided of course that you don’t mind the water damage
However, if it is a more serious issue, such as a leak within the tank the leak will only increase over time and the unit should be replaced as soon as possible.
When choosing a new water heater and you live in an area where there are frequent power outages you might be interested in finding out which type of water heater is best for that.
I have written an article about showering during a power outage, go check it out, there is a ton of info in there about water heaters.
If you find out that it is necessary to replace the water heater it is a good idea to consider tankless water heaters. They have many benefits over traditional water heaters.
Here are 9 benefits of a tankless water heater.
While leaks demand immediate attention, performing routine checkups and maintenance can help add longevity to your water heater unit. To get the best results and keep your unit functioning properly, follow these steps to ensure smooth operation;
Many people set their water heater temperature too high. This can shorten the life of the heating element. To prevent that, set your thermostat to a lower temperature (we recommend anything lower than 120 F). This will prevent scalding and protect the taps from hot water.
At least once a year, make sure to drain and flush your water heater’s tank. This will clean the insides of the unit and prevent the build-up of impurities and sediments. To do so, turn off the water supply to the heater and connect a pipe or a hose to the drain valve. Then, put the other end of that pipe into a drain and empty the tank.
When you perform a routine check-up, inspect the external of the heater for small leaks. This will help catch the leak before water damage occurs.
Many people have not considered this, but it is possible to paint a water heater to make it look like new. If yours is still in working order, but you would like to spruce it up by giving it a new coat of paint read my guide on how to paint a water heater.
So, there you have it – this article offers a comprehensive list of ideas and solutions that can help with the maintenance, as well as the service of your water heater. If you’ve exhausted these options, you’ll likely need to install a new unit or call in a professional to help with your current one. Thanks for reading and we hope we have been able to assist you with your leaking water heater!
Original post: https://hvac-buzz.com/leaking-water-heater-shower/
Catalog of causes & cures of noises heard at or in water heaters, calorifiers, cylinders:
This article explains how to diagnose and cure noisy water heaters such as popping, hissing, crackling or banging.
We describe the different types of sounds heard at a water heater, what they mean, their cause, and their elimination.
We discuss: How to diagnose and cure water heater rumbling, clanking, cracking, resonant shrieking or whistling, or other hot water heater noises. Advice and photo-guide to de-liming and de-scaling hot water heaters - Scale formation in water heaters and methods of prevention. How to remove silt or debris from the hot water heater tank. Rate of deposition of lime and scale in plumbing systems.
The sketch at page top is courtesy of Carson Dunlop Associates, a Toronto home inspection & home inspection education company. Used with permission.
We also provide an ARTICLE INDEX for this topic, or you can try the page top or bottom SEARCH BOX as a quick way to find information you need.
Here, listed alphabetically, we describe all of the sounds that might come from a water heater, geyser, cylinder, or calorifier.
We give an index into this water heater sound dictionary but you may want to read through the whole list because what one person describes as a hiss another may consider a sizzle. Is it a snap, crackle or pop?
[Click to enlarge any image]
Watch out: don't even think of trying to fix this noise yourself. Making a mistake risks fatal carbon monoxide poisoning. Consult Bosch customer service if you are having noise problems with your tankless water heater.
Other shrieking screaming sounds in and around buildings are discussed at WATER SUPPLY PIPE WHISTLE NOISE
and also
at SCREAMING or whistling or shrieking A/C compressor/condenser unit sounds - warning about high pitched sound from the compressor/condenser unit
Also see GUIAS PARA EQUIPMIENTO EN MEXICO
The hard water mineral deposits tend to collect as a hard skin on the bottom of the heater, interfering with heat transfer, increasing operating cost, and over longer periods, possibly weakening the bottom of the water heater itself.
Mineral deposits also accumulate on the electrodes of an electric water heater, eventually leading to the failure of the heating electrode. If you never remove the scale from a water heater tank the clanking or cracking noise heard at the water heater during operation may eventually cease when the scale solidifies, no longer trapping hot water and interfering with its movement upwards in the water tank.
However the development of a thick lime or scale layer in the bottom of a water heater also reduces the water heater tank life.
Other Water Heater Problems Caused by Hard Water & Scale Deposits are discussed just below.
Our photo (left) shows chunks of water heater scale on the ground after removal from the water heater.
A.O. Smith gives six reasons (here we expand and add to them) for water heater tank scale removal, and the company points out that the reasons for scale removal and indeed the procedure for scale removal is (almost) the same regardless of the energy source: electric, gas, oil, solar water heaters.
Our "exception" is that solar water heaters and electric water heaters may have specific internal components (such as electric water heater electrodes) that will also need to be de-scaled or even replaced. [1]
Noisy water heater operation: Water heater noises, as we described above, may be the first thing people notice when the water tank scale layer has become thick enough to interfere with good water heater operation.
But A.O. Smith and other water heater manufacturers cite additional reasons why removing water heater scale is important.
Clean the water heater tank to reduce water heater noise.
Longer water heater "on" time & slower water heat-up rate: you can reduce the cost of making hot water with your oil, gas, or electric-fired water heater by removing scale from the tank bottom.
The scale layer on the tank bottom (or on an electric water heater's electrodes) interferes with heat transfer into the hot water.
This means that the water heater will have to operate longer (and you will spend more on hot water costs) than necessary to re-heat incoming water.
Clean your water heater tank to reduce your water heating cost by improving heat transfer into the water and correspondingly shortening the water heater "on" cycle time.
High water heater costs to operate, repair, replace: for the same reasons as above: running the water heater longer just to get the water hot enough means higher water heater operating expense.
In addition to higher energy costs to heat the water, unnecessary heater replacement, and in the case of electric water heaters, early failure of the heating elements are common results of heavy scale problems.
Hot water quantity has diminished - not enough hot water: by slowing heat transfer into the hot water in the water tank, the apparent hot water quantity will also be reduced, because incoming cold water is not heated as rapidly when occupants are drawing hot water out of the tank.
Thus the incoming cold more quickly dilutes and cools the hot water that remains in the tank during use. Clean the water heater tank to increase hot water quantity.
Extend the water heater life: because scale on the water heater tank bottom insulates the tank bottom from the water inside the tank, the bottom of an oil or gas fired water heater will become hotter as the scale layer gets thicker.
These increased temperatures weaken the water heater tank bottom and shorten the life of the water heater. Similarly, scale deposits on the electrodes in an electric hot water heater shorten the life of the electrodes. Clean the hot water tank regularly to extend its life.
Protect water heater warranty: if a water heater tank fails the manufacturer may not honor the water heater's warranty if the failure is due to the accumulation of excessive scale inside of the water heater tank.
Water heater warranties typically indicate that the tank is warranted against leaks due to rust, corrosion, or chemical action of the water but the warranty will exclude a tank failure due to scale.
User dissatisfaction with the water heater because of less hot water, slower hot water recovery, and higher hot water costs lead to unhappy building occupants who may have no idea that a water heater scale problem is the cause. If dissatisfaction leads a consumer to replace a water heater that could have just been de-scaled, there may also be unnecessary heater replacement expense.
When the lime thickness reaches the hot water tank drain, there will be about one inch of mineral deposit on the tank bottom. If the water tank has a cleanout opening, when the lime thickness reaches that opening the mineral deposit thickness will be about 2". When you have observed the length of time required for lime to accumulate in your water heater you can set the appropriate maintenance schedule.
See WATER HEATER SCALE DE-LIMING PROCEDURE for a detailed water heater de-liming procedure. A summary of the de-scaling procedure is just below.
The first step in curing water heater noises or poor hot water quantity is to turn off and flush out the water heater.
See WATER HEATER FLUSH PROCEDURE for the full article on the detailed procedure for flushing out water heaters to remove scale, dirt, or debris - a step that can increase hot water quantity, temperature, and water heater life.
Watch out: don't tackle this water heater cleanout project on a Sunday night when you can't call a plumber or buy a replacement part. Water heaters, their heating source (oil or gas burner or electricity or solar hot water), and particularly their relief valves include critical safety components.
Do not modify or remove relief valves, chimney connections, draft hoods, etc. as you may create dangerous conditions. Turn off all electrical and or gas power to the water heater and let it cool.
This means turning off electricity that controls the water heater oil burner or electric heating elements, or for gas fired water heaters, turning off the gas supply to the device.
Additional tips on draining a water heater tank can be found
The second step in curing water heater noise or insufficient hot water is to remove scale or lime from the water heater tank. If the unit is an electric water heater, you'll also need to remove scale from the electric water heater elements.
See WATER HEATER SCALE DE-LIMING PROCEDURE for the full article on the detailed procedure for removing lime and water heater scale.
Safety Warning: never turn on a water heater's heat source before the hot water tank has been re-filled. Otherwise you may damage the heater or create a dangerous condition.
Be sure the water heater pressure and temperature relief valve is properly installed and is the proper type.
See RELIEF VALVES - TP VALVES.
The third step in stopping water heater noises, extending water heater life and increasing the amount of hot water that the heater produces, is to prevent un-wanted scale or lime deposits in the water heater tank or on an electric water heater's electrodes.
The rate of deposition of scale inside of a water heater tank depends on
At WATER HEATER SCALE PREVENTION we discuss in detail and provide research on the factors determining the rate at which scale and lime form in water heaters or on water heater electrodes.
BLEVEs or boiling liquid expanding vapor explosions are discussed
at BLEVE EXPLOSIONS.
Excerpts are below
Water heater tank explosions are rare thanks to the widespread requirement for and use of pressure and temperature relief safety valves. The photo (left) shows a hole in the roof made when a water heater exploded, becoming a rocket that passed up through the building.
But if the safety valve has been damaged, modified, or even omitted (as we saw on our neighbor's water heater), that condition, combined with overheating can cause a water tank to explode, creating a BLEVE - boiling liquid vapor explosion that releases tremendous force and causing extreme damage to a building.
Because repeated heating of the water tank bottom may combine with other conditions (such as corrosion or excessive heating due to mineral deposits on the tank bottom) to produce a weak water heater tank bottom, that is the part more likely to fail in an overheat and overpressure condition.
A failure at the water tank bottom may explain why a BLEVE can produce a water tank explosion that behaves like a rocket, sending the water tank skyrocketing up through a building.
The articles at this website will answer most questions about diagnosing and curing noisy domestic water heaters and about the procedure to remove mineral deposits, lime, water scale, silicates, sulfates, aluminates, or silt and sand from a water heater tank.
Original post: https://inspectapedia.com/plumbing/Water_Heater_Noises.php
There are many variables to consider including the type and size of water heater. It's always best to consult with a licensed plumbing contractor to determine the best solution to meet your needs.
A water heater replacement typically includes the cost of the new water heater, delivery to your home, supplies, removal and haul-away of the old water heater, and installation and testing of your new water heater.
Storage type water heaters are a reliable source of hot water and are used in most households in the U.S. and Canada. Even with advanced heating technologies that exist today, there are still technological limits to controlling hot water tank temperatures using a water heater.
There is a general misconception that a water heater’s thermostatic control can regulate the water temperature at the point-of-use. However, the water heater thermostatic control is typically at the bottom of the water heater, and does not sense the water temperature at the end point-of-use, which can pose a scald hazard for showers, faucets and other points in a household when water is too hot.
Hot water scalding is one of the major reasons why various plumbing codes and manufacturers require that thermostatic mixing valves be installed with water heaters to regulate water temperature at point-of-use.
Keeping water in hot water storage tanks at a temperature that is considered sanitary requires raising the temperature of water to at least 140°F (60°C). But, at 140°F (60°C), water can cause third-degree burns in children in one second and in adults in five seconds.
The American Burn Association states that approximately 21,000 child injuries are directly related to dangerously hot tap water in residences—that’s 65% of all hospitalized burn-related injuries in children under 4 years old1. The answer to preventing harmful water temperatures is to store distributable hot water at a high temperature and temper it to a safer temperature before distribution to the fixture.
Cash Acme’s thermostatic mixing valves mix hot and cold water together upon exiting the storage tank to deliver water at a controlled temperature of 120°F or less to prevent scalding.
Legionella is an aquatic bacteria that thrives in warm water environments and is the cause of Legionnaires Disease. It is commonly found in hot water heaters, potable water supplies, hot tubs, cooling towers, fountains, swimming pools, etc. and multiplies in conditions especially between 68 – 122 °F. The Legionella bacteria can spread to humans when breathed in.
An estimated 22K cases of Legionnaires disease are reported in the U.S. each year2. It is known to cause fever, chills, and a cough, which can be dry or may produce sputum. Some patients also have muscle aches, headaches, tiredness, loss of appetite, and, occasionally, diarrhea. Legionella may also cause cases of pneumonia that may be difficult to diagnose. Of the approximately 2.4 million cases of pneumonia that are diagnosed each year in the United States, about 18,000 are confirmed as Legionnaires Disease and up to 600,000 cases of Legionnaires Disease are misdiagnosed as pneumonia because the hospitals do not perform tests for Legionella.3
Improved design and maintenance of cooling towers, plumbing systems and hot water heaters to limit the growth and spread of bacteria are the foundations of Legionella prevention.
The answer to preventing both Legionnaires disease and hot water scalding is to store distributable hot water at a high temperature and temper it to a safer temperature before distribution to the fixture.
A water temperature of 120°F does not kill the Legionella bacteria; a hot water temperature of 140°F is required at which Legionellae dies in 32 minutes. Hence it is recommended that the water heater be set at a safe hot water temperature of 140°F. The Legionella disinfection range is 158 – 176 °F.
Several countries around the world, including Canada and many in Europe, have adopted regulations requiring water to be stored at a higher temperature and delivered at 120°F or lower. The aggressiveness with which countries have addressed this issue indicates the importance of water storage safety. In fact, according to the Safe Kids Worldwide Campaign, “all code-making bodies at the [U.S.] national and regional level have established plumbing standards for newly constructed homes and residential units requiring anti-scald technology and a maximum water heater temperature of 120 degrees F.”4
Cash Acme Thermostatic Mixing Valves (TMVs) provide safe, in-home water solutions to both inhibit legionella tank growth and prevent water heater scalding and burns. Our TMVs allow water to be stored at high temperatures at the source (hot water heater) and delivered at safe temperatures at the point-of-use (sinks, lavatories, bathtubs or multiple fixtures such as gang showers). By placing a thermostatic mixing valve on a water heater, the heater’s thermostat can be turned up to a higher temperature setting to avoid growth of bacteria. The mixing valve then takes the hot water from the newly set heater and mixes it with cold water until it can be released from the valve at a safe 120°F temperature.
Additionally, the Cash Acme Tank Booster valve can double the hot water delivery in a system, as well as provide all of the other safeguards that our TMV products supply.
References:
1 American Burn Association http://ameriburn.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/scaldinjuryeducatorsguide.pdf
2 CDC cases reported from 2000 – 2009: http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm6032a3.htm
3 http://www.LegionellaPrevention.org
4 https://www.safekids.org/sites/default/files/documents/skw_burns_fact_sheet_feb_2015.pdf
Nine recently confirmed cases of Legionnaires’ disease in Hopkins, MN reminded me of an old blog post that I thought would make for a timely re-blog, along with some updated information. First, here’s the story about the recent cases in Hopkins: http://www.startribune.com/mdh-hopkins-warehouse-and-fountain-under-investigation-as-possible-source-of-legionnaires/393567731/. As mentioned in the story, Legionnaires’ disease resembles a severe case of pneumonia and is spread by inhaling the fine spray from water sources containing Legionella bacteria. In your home, the source of that bacteria could be your water heater, especially if you turn your water heater temperature down to the “vacation” setting when leaving for extended periods of time. The people who are most at risk for Legionnaires’ disease are those over 50, smokers, or those with certain medical conditions.
According to LegionellaPrevention.org, legionella bacteria can grow at temperatures from 68° F to 122° F, but the ideal growth range is between 95° F and 115° F. When it comes to preventing legionella bacteria growth, hot water is better. Legionella bacteria cannot multiply at temperatures above 122° F, and are killed within 32 minutes at 140° F. So crank up the water heater as high as it will go, right? No, of course not. That would create a scald hazard. Water heater manufacturers put a warning on water heaters saying the water temperature should not exceed 125° F to help prevent “severe burns instantly or death from scalds”. Their words, not mine.
So what’s the perfect temperature for your water heater?
Unfortunately, there’s no simple answer. The American Society of Sanitary Engineering Scald Awareness Task Group released a white paper many years ago on this topic, which essentially says that there is no perfect temperature to set your water heater to. Part of the reason is that traditional tank-style water heaters don’t keep the water in the tank at an exact temperature; there is a temperature “band” that tank water heaters maintain. At the beginning of a heating cycle, a water heater set to 120°-ish might start at 115° F, and might get up to 125° F at the end of its heating cycle. There’s more to it than just that, but the point is that water heaters do not produce constant temperatures.
If the water in a tank is kept below scalding temperatures, there is a potential for Legionella bacteria growth. Ideally, the temperature in a water heater tank should be cranked way up to 140° F or higher, but now we’re back to the scald hazard thing. One solution is to have a hot water tempering valve installed for the entire home.
This valve would be installed right at the hot water outlet of the water heater. It would allow the water heater to be cranked up to a scalding 140° F, which would be sufficient to kill bacteria and would extend the capacity of the hot water tank, while at the same time reducing the temperature of all of the hot water throughout the house. Click the following link for more information about these devices: http://media.wattswater.com/F-MXV.pdf . While these devices won’t guarantee safe water temperatures at every fixture, they’ll get you a lot closer.
If you want more hot water out of your water heater and you want to reduce the risk of Legionella bacteria growth, hire a plumber to install one of these mixing valves at your water heater and turn the temperature up on your water heater. I should also mention that point-of-use thermostatic mixing valves should ideally be installed at the faucets for the highest level of safety… but I’m pretty sure I’ve never seen a home fully outfitted with those.
Hot water from the home's faucets and sinks can cause serious injury to members of the family. Underestimating the risks posed by burns and scalding wounds only makes members of the household more vulnerable to injury. The following facts about scalds and burns can help illustrate the dangers of improperly heated water in the home.
1. Kids and seniors face the highest risk
Seniors and kids under the age of 5 are especially vulnerable to serious scald injury. A thinner dermis poses an extra threat of deeper burns in children, while limited flexibility can sometimes put seniors in danger with regards to nearby hot water.
2. Overheated water is a common problem at home
Ironically, many homeowners that balk at the idea of burn-related injuries in the home are at the greatest risk. Over 40 percent of inspected urban homes were found to have water heaters set at or above 140 degrees. Setting water temperatures to 120 degrees will increase safety and heating efficiency simultaneously.
3. Serious burns can occur in seconds
Burn wounds caused by a home's water supply can occur quickly. In fact, 140 degree water can cause a third-degree burn after just five seconds of exposure.
4. Cool water is better than ice for temporary treatment
Resist your instinct to ice a serious burn or scald, as treating the injury with ice actually risks worsening the burn. A wet compress or a flow of cool water will do the trick until you can schedule a medical visit.
5. Scalding injuries are mostly preventable
While hundreds of thousands of scald wounds occur each year, 75 percent of burn injuries in children are preventable. Families taking a proactive approach toward preventing burn injuries will see rapid results in the form of fewer burn accidents.
6. Going tankless can eliminate scald injuries
Often performing maintenance on an aging water heater simply increases risks of a scalding accident. Electric tankless water heaters have more precise, reliable heat controls to help prevent burn injuries.
SOURCE: https://webflow.com/design/hot-water-safety
Shutting off the gas and water to a failed water heater should be done with safety in mind. Here are the safest steps, in the proper sequence, to accomplish this:
Safety is of utmost importance when dealing with gas appliances and water heaters. If you are unsure about any of these steps or have concerns about gas safety, it is best to contact a qualified professional to handle the situation and address any potential issues with your water heater.
