Scalding injuries are a common occurrence in the home, and they can be caused by many things: hot liquids, steam, and even hot objects like cooking utensils. These injuries can happen to anyone at any time, but they can be prevented with simple tips.
If you’re concerned about scalding risks in your home, the local water heater repair or replacement expert in Winchester, VA, has your back.
In this article, we will cover everything you need to know about Scalds From Uncontrolled Water Heaters, its dangers, and what preventive measures you should consider.
Let’s find out.
What is Scalding Temperature in Water Heater?
In a water heater, the scalding temperature is the temperature at which the water gets dangerously hot and can inflict burns or scalds on the skin. Scalding temperatures normally begin at 120 degrees Fahrenheit (49 degrees Celsius) and increase with higher temperatures.
Water heaters are often set at a preset temperature of roughly 140°F (60°C), which can cause severe burns within seconds of contact with the skin. Even lower temperatures, however, can produce scalds, especially in vulnerable populations such as small children, older people, or people with poor heat sensitivity.
8 Water Heater Danger Signs
We’ve all been there. You’re sitting at home, relaxing on the couch and watching TV, when suddenly your water heater starts making a strange noise. Or perhaps you’re out of town for work, and suddenly your water heater breaks down.
It’s scary, but it doesn’t have to be!
We’ve put together this list to help you identify the danger signs of a potential malfunctioning water heater to avoid any dangerous situations.
Leaks
Water heater leaks are the most common gas water heater danger signs. If you notice water dripping from your water heater, it is most likely leaking. There may be a small leak in the tank or a larger leak in the piping system that connects the tank to your home.
Rust or corrosion
Rust and corrosion are also common signs of a defective water heater. Rust may appear on the tank itself or the duct going in and out of the tank.
Strange noises
It’s not just your imagination—a water heater can make some pretty weird sounds. If you suddenly start hearing things like clanging, banging, or hissing, don’t turn the appliance off right away. It could be a simple case of sediment buildup or rust in the tank.
Inconsistent water temperature
Your water heater is supposed to heat up and store hot water at one consistent temperature. If you’re finding that the temperature fluctuates wildly when you turn on the faucet, it might be time to have a professional water heater repair and replacement expert take a look at it for you.
Foul odors
If you smell something funky in the air, your water heater needs to be repaired.
Pilot light issues
If you have a gas water heater, problems with the pilot light, such as repeatedly going out or producing an irregular flame, may indicate a malfunctioning thermocouple or gas supply issue.
High water temperature
The average water heater should produce hot water at a temperature between 120 and 130 degrees Fahrenheit. If the temperature is too high, that means it’s not getting enough heat from its burner, so it has to use electricity or gas to heat the water instead—which means more money is spent on bills!
Age of the water heater
While most people replace their water heaters after ten years or so, this isn’t true for everyone; some have been using them for twenty years or more without incident! However, it’s important to note that older units are more likely to break down than newer ones. So if yours is older than ten years old and still in good condition, consider replacing it anyway!
Potential Scalding Hazards Associated With Uncontrolled Water Heaters
The water heater is a common household appliance, but it can even be an incredibly dangerous one.
Depending on the type of water heater you have, it may be more likely to cause scalding than others. If you have an uncontrolled water heater, there are several potential scalding hazards associated with it that you should be aware of. Here are some of them:
Accidental contact
When you’re bathing your baby, it’s easy to splash water on yourself. And when you’re not paying attention, it’s even easier to splash water on your child. If your child is too young to know how hot water is and what it feels like, they could accidentally burn themselves.
Vulnerable populations
Children and older people may be more likely to suffer scalding injuries due to their inability to adjust their body temperature quickly when exposed to hot or cold water.
Lack of temperature regulation
Water heaters that are not properly maintained can lead to scalding hazards in your home. It’s important to check the temperature of the water before letting your children use it, but if there is no trick for you to regulate the temperature, you should consider getting a different heater altogether.
Delayed response time
If a thermostat does not control your water heater, it could take longer to respond to changes in temperature and begin heating or cooling the water. This can lead to scalding injuries if you are not able to immediately adjust the temperature.
7 Tips to Prevent Scalds from Uncontrolled Water Heaters
We know you love your water heater. But sometimes, it’s just not the love you think it is.
Water heaters can be dangerous. They have the power to warm up your home, but they also have the power to scald you or your loved ones if you’re not careful.
If you’re experiencing scalding hot water from your water heater, it’s probably time to start considering what you can do to stop it. It’s not just about heat—it’s about keeping your family safe.
Here are some tips to prevent scalds from Uncontrolled Water Heater:
Set the temperature appropriately.
When you’re not home, you can’t always keep an eye on things—but that doesn’t mean you should leave them to chance. Set your water heater temperature to 120 degrees Fahrenheit or below so that if a child or pet accidentally turns on the hot water tap (or even if they don’t), they won’t get burned by scalding water.
Regularly check and maintain the water heater.
Make sure your water heater is in good working order by having it checked regularly by a professional water heater repair and replacement expert or heating contractor. This will help ensure it functions safely and efficiently and keep your family safe from scalds!
Install temperature control devices.
If you have an uncontrolled water heater, install a temperature control device. This can be done by installing a thermostat that controls the temperature of the water or by installing a pressure relief valve that will turn off the gas or electric water heater if it reaches a certain temperature.
Educate household members.
Educate your family members about scalding dangers and how to prevent them. It is important to teach children not to touch hot faucets or other hot surfaces and how long they should wait before turning on cold water after bathing or showering.
Use caution when using hot water.
Be cautious when using hot water and be aware of its temperature. Start with cold water and gradually adjust to hot water to avoid unexpected surges in temperature. Take extra care when using hot water for tasks such as bathing, washing dishes, or preparing food.
Consider time-of-use scheduling.
If you have an electric or gas water heater, try out time-of-use scheduling so that you only heat up your hot water during off-peak hours (usually in the evening). You can save significant money on monthly energy bills while also reducing your risk of scalding accidents!
Seek professional assistance.
If you’re the type of person who likes to do things yourself, we get it. But when it comes to heating water, there are some things that are just too complicated for DIYers and should be left up to Winchester, VA, water heater service experts.
Call an Expert for Water Heater Maintenance in Winchester!
We know that water heaters break down at the most inconvenient times, and we know how difficult it can be to operate a broken appliance. That’s why Casco Plumbing And Well Pump Service is here to help.
We offer expert Winchester Water Heater Services and like to help you with your plumbing needs. From water heaters to pipes, we’ve got you covered.
We have been servicing the area for many years now, so we understand what it takes to get the job done right. Our team is dedicated to providing excellent service and customer satisfaction every time.
Our plumbing services for Winchester, VA, and the surrounding area include:
– Hot water heater replacement Winchester
– Water heater repair Winchester
– Drain line cleaning and maintenance
– Tankless water heater installation and repairs
– Sewer line repair
– Garbage disposal installation
– Well pump repair and replacement
– Sump pump installation and repair
– Leak detection and repair
– Faucet repair and replacement
– Annual service agreements
Our plumbers are licensed, bonded, and insured and have years of plumbing experience working on all sorts of water heaters. We know how important it is for your system to work properly, so we use only top-quality parts and materials from trusted brands like Rheem and Bradford White. We also offer financing options for those who need help paying for their repairs!
Whether you have an electric or gas hot water heater, it is important to have it serviced on a regular basis. We will check all the parts and make sure everything is working properly. It is also important to keep your hot water heater clean and free of rust or mineral deposits. Our technicians know how to do this without damaging the tank itself.
Moreover, we offer emergency service 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. We also offer a warranty on all parts we install, so you can rest assured that your hot water heater will work properly for years to come!
If your water heater isn’t working properly, don’t wait another minute. Give us a call today at (540) 773-8076!
