Why is a leaning water heater a safety problem? Think about it for a second: you have a large standing tank with water heating up to 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Imagine that your leaning water heater becomes tilted, slowly moving toward the floor, so most of the water is at the bottom. Would your heating system still function as intended? Let’s find out more!
Why Is A Leaning Water Heater A Safety Problem?
Lately, there have been a lot of reports of leaning water heaters being a safety hazard. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), “Leaning water heaters are the leading cause of residential fires and injuries in the United States.” In fact, NFPA estimates that these types of accidents cause over $100 million in property damage each year.
When a water heater begins to lean out of the plumbing, it will tug on the pipes attached to it at the top, along with the flue connector for gas or electric water heaters. A whole 40-gallon water heater is 500 pounds at its heaviest, making any lateral pressure placed on those connections hazardous. The pipes will eventually fracture from the pressure and cause a flood.
If you’re planning to buy or install a leaning water heater, take into account the risks involved and follow all the safety guidelines your manufacturer provides.
Causes of Tilted Tanks
If you’re noticing that your water heater is leaning, there are two leading causes.
The first is that the platform had water damage and is no longer as strong as it was. This can happen if you have an older water heater that’s been through a lot of use or if you replaced your old water heater with a bigger one.
The second cause is when a larger water heater is put on a platform built for a smaller one. This can cause the platform to become weak and unstable. If this happens, your water heater may start to lean.
Potential Dangers of LWH
Knowing the potential dangers of a leaning water heater is essential to avoiding accidents. A tilted tank can lead to a lot of dangerous consequences, including:
Flooding from burst pipes
Gas leaks, which can be deadly
Fire if leaking gas ignites
Slip and fall injuries if the tank leaks slowly
How to Avoid a Tilted Water Tank
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Make sure your water heater is level before you install it
If it’s not level, the tank may tilt in the direction of the imbalance.
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Don’t overload your water heater
Overloading can cause the tank to tilt in the opposite direction and increase the risk of pipe erosion and flooding.
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Get a professional to install it
Professional plumbers are trained to follow safety guidelines that will keep you and your home safe.
Ready To Work With An Experienced Team? Call Custom Plumbing Of Arizona Today!
Why is a leaning water heater a safety problem? If you have a water heater with a tilted tank, it’s important to know that there is a potential danger. Contact Custom Plumbing of Arizona at 602-883-2761 if you need help installing your tilting water heater correctly.