Help keep your water heater safe

A properly operating, well-maintained water heater provides the hot water you need for bathing, clothes washing and cooking quickly and efficiently. Whether your hot water heater is an older model or one of the high-efficiency, newer models, there are a few safety tips to consider.

If you’re ever unsure about the safety of your water heater, contact Home Service Plus® immediately to have it looked at and if necessary, repaired.

Turn down the heat

• Set the temperature to 120°F to help prevent accidental burns and save energy. Temperatures of 140°F or higher can be dangerous to children and the elderly. It takes just five seconds to receive a third-degree burn from 140°F water.
• Before adjusting the temperature on your water heater, be sure to read the instructions for your particular model.   

Pick the right model from an expert Water heating accounts for about 15 percent of the average home’s energy use, so it is important to choose an energy efficient model. HSP sells American™ energy efficient water heaters. American is an industry leader with a wide selection of tank capacities, fast recovery times, efficient operation, low operating costs and comprehensive warranties. HSP will make sure you get hot water fast with our guaranteed 24-hour installation (Twin Cities metro area only; limited to normal change-out installation, excluding weekends and holidays). An HSP representative can help you select the best energy-efficient water heater for your home right over the phone; or, complete and submit our online request form so an HSP representative can contact you. HSP will not only install your new water heater, we also will clean up and haul away your old equipment.

Keep flammables away

• Keep the top of the tank free of dust, debris and flammable products such as paint, gasoline, solvents or adhesives. Also, never use these products near a water heater or any other natural gas or electric appliance because vapors from flammable liquids can ignite.
  
• Older water heaters are not equipped with ignition-resistant technology, so are more susceptible to flammable vapors. In the right conditions, flammable vapors can travel undetected along the floor aided by air vents.
  
• Consider upgrading to a newer water heater, equipped with ignition-resistant and more energy-efficient technology 
  
• If your water heater’s in the same room as a clothes dryer, be sure to keep clothing articles away from the burner inlet, also remove any visible lint that may accumulate on the burner compartment inlet screen or door. Burner cleaning should be performed by a qualified technician. 

Special considerations for natural gas water heaters:

Flames: Natural gas appliance flames should always burn blue, not orange or yellow (with the exception of natural gas fireplace logs). If the flame is not blue, it may be a sign that the appliance needs adjusting or cleaning.

• Check the burner periodically. If rust or scale is collecting in the burner compartment, it’s time to have it serviced by a professional. Water heater checks are complimentary with a furnace tune-up from HSP.

Leave major repairs to the professionals.
With more than 80 years experience, HSP can safely repair your appliances.