Water Heater Safety Features And Why Having A Water Heater Repair Expert Is Paramount | Atlanta, GA
A water heater is a critical plumbing appliance for your home. Do you have a water heater installed at your home? Then, you understand how essential this appliance is. Without one, your Atlanta, GA, home will not have hot water for cleaning, bathing, cooking, or drinking. Issues from too hot water that can burn you to an explosion of the tank can make the water heater quickly turn into a dangerous appliance. Therefore, it is critical to have a water heater repair technician come over for regular inspections, repairs, and tune-ups. Fortunately, the designers of a water heater realized that the appliance could turn dangerous within no time. To mitigate the dangers, they designed it to have several safety measures. This article will discuss the different water heater safety features, how they protect you, and reasons to have them serviced by a technician whenever they visit your home for maintenance.
TPR Valve
A temperature and pressure relief (TPR) valve is a safety feature on many water heaters. The valve is designed to open and release excess pressure and temperature from the water heater if the temperature or pressure becomes too high. This helps to prevent the water heater from overheating and potentially causing a dangerous explosion. Hence, its maintenance and routine inspection by a water heater repair technician are paramount.
The TPR valve is typically located on the side of the water heater, near the top. It is connected to the water heater’s tank by a small pipe. When the water temperature or pressure reaches a certain level, the valve will open and release the excess pressure or temperature from the water heater. This helps to keep the water heater operating within safe limits and prevent it from overheating. It is important to have a water heater repair technician regularly inspect and service the TPR valve to ensure that it is functioning properly. This includes cleaning off clogs, repairing them, or even replacing them if damaged.
Flame Arrestors
Many modern gas-fired water heaters have a safety element called a flame arrestor. It is a mesh or screen-like device installed in the burner assembly of the water heater. Its purpose is to prevent flames from escaping the burner and potentially causing a fire. When the water heater is operating correctly, the flame arrestor allows the flame to burn safely within the burner assembly. However, if there is a malfunction in the water heater, the flame arrestor helps to prevent the flame from spreading and potentially causing a fire. Hence, your water heater repair technician will not charge more because the damage, if any, will be low. This can be especially important in Atlanta, GA homes with a risk of gas leaks or other fuel-related accidents.
To ensure that the flame arrestor is always fully functional, a water heater repair technician can perform regular maintenance and inspections on the water heater. This may include checking the flame arrestor for any signs of damage or wear and replacing it if necessary. It is also important for the water heater repair technician to ensure that the burner assembly is clean and free of any debris that could potentially block the flame arrestor or interfere with its operation.
Gas Shut-off Valves
What is a gas shut-off valve? It is a safety device installed on a water heater to shut off the gas flow to the appliance in the event of a malfunction or other emergency. It is common in those water heaters that are gas-powered. These valves are an important safety feature, as they can help to prevent accidents and injuries caused by gas leaks, overheating, or other problems with the water heater. Since these accidents and injuries might even prove fatal, having a water heater repair technician inspect and service the gas shut-off valves is critical.
The gas shut-off valve is typically located near the water heater and is usually attached to the gas supply line. In case of a problem, the valve can be manually activated by turning a handle or lever to the “off” position. This will immediately stop the flow of gas to the water heater. As a result, water will not be heated, meaning the pressure will not build up. Hence, it plays a critical role in preventing further damage or injury.
Leakage Detectors
The other safety feature you are highly likely to find in most modern water heaters is leakage detection. It protects homeowners by detecting leaks in the tank or plumbing of the water heater. The water supply is automatically shut off if a leak is detected to prevent further damage. Water leaks can damage your home’s structure, finances, and health. This is because they will result in high water utility bills, damage your home, and result in mold growth. Hence, having a unit with this safety technology is a plus. As many units are available, consult your water heater repair technician about your options.
Several different types of leak detection systems are used in water heaters, each with its unique method of detecting leaks. Some systems use sensors to detect the presence of water and shut off the supply if a leak is detected. Others use pressure sensors to detect changes in the water pressure within the tank or plumbing and shut off the supply if a significant pressure drop is detected. Besides shutting off the water supply, some leak detection systems are also equipped with alarms that alert the homeowner to the presence of a leak, prompting them to call a plumber or a water heater repair technician in Atlanta, GA.
Stay Safe!
Your safety is paramount. Hence, you should hire a technician to maintain your water heater and inspect all its safety features. Do you want a water heater inspection, repair, or service? Contact us at Peach Plumbing & Drain. Our technicians are licensed, reputable, and experienced to complete the repair within no time. Call us now for a free quote.