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Dangers of Hot Water Tanks

Hot water tanks provide sinks with hot water used for bathing and washing items. When the tank is set up correctly, it serves as a convenient and useful appliance that gets a lot of use. However, hot water tanks that do not have the proper settings or have maintenance issues can be dangerous.

  1. Explosions

    • The steam pressure generated within a hot water tank can cause an explosion when the temperature-pressure relief valve malfunctions. According to WaterHeaterBlast.com, the force of a water heater explosion can destroy a building, and even new water heaters can explode. The explosion occurs because the pressure within the hot water tank builds when the temperature of the water is set too high and the relief valve cannot release the pressure of the built-up steam quickly enough.

      To help prevent hot water tank explosions, test the temperature-pressure relief valve on an annual basis for any clogs, drips or trickles from the valve or malfunctions. If you notice sputtering when your turn a faucet on, this could be a sign the hot water tank is overheating—a situation that warrants investigation. In addition, if the water coming out of the faucet is extremely hot, the thermostat may not be working correctly, which could lead to a buildup of pressure in the hot water tank.

    Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

    • If a hot water tank uses natural gas, carbon monoxide poisoning becomes a risk if a gas leak develops. Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas that can lead to illness and death, according to the Centers for Disease Control.

      To help prevent poisoning from a hot water tank that uses natural gas, install carbon monoxide detectors throughout the building or home that will alert you of a leak. In addition, install plenty of ventilation around a gas-powered hot water tank.

    Burns

    • The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) states that hot tap water is the cause of a quarter of all scald burns among children. In addition, hot tap water causes more associated burn-related injuries, deaths and hospitalizations than any other type of burn caused by a hot liquid. Water that is 140 degrees Fahrenheit is hot enough to cause a third-degree burn when it touches the skin for as little as 3 seconds. Children that are under the age of 4 are more likely to sustain a serious burn injury from hot tap water because they have less control of their environment, may not be tall enough to reach the tap or tolerate the stress caused by a burn, according to the CPSC.

      To help prevent scald burns, set a hot water tank to 120 degrees Fahrenheit or lower, consider installing an anti-scald device and always test the water before immersing yourself or bathing a child in it.

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