Hot Water, Hidden Dangers: What Every Homeowner Should Know About Water Heaters
- Tripp Walker
- Oct 14
- 2 min read
Your hot water heater works quietly in the background, delivering comfort and convenience to your daily routine. But this hardworking appliance can also pose serious safety risks if not properly maintained, and most homeowners never give it a second thought until something goes wrong—which could be too late.
Traditional tank water heaters and modern tankless units both present unique challenges and potential hazards. Tank-style heaters store 40 to 80 gallons of heated water under pressure, creating the potential for catastrophic failure if safety systems aren't working properly. Tankless units heat water on demand, but their complex components require regular maintenance to prevent breakdowns and ensure safe operation.
The Temperature and Pressure Relief (TPR) valve is your water heater's most important safety feature, yet it's probably the part you know least about. This small but critical device prevents your water heater from becoming a bomb. When water gets too hot or pressure builds too high, the TPR valve opens to release the dangerous conditions. If this valve fails or gets blocked, the tank could rupture explosively, causing devastating property damage and potentially fatal injuries.
Most TPR valves have a lever that should be tested annually, but homeowners should not touch them. A valve that won't open when tested, or one that continuously drips after testing, indicates a problem that needs immediate attention. Even worse, many TPR valves have been improperly installed without proper discharge piping, which can cause scalding water to spray in dangerous directions.
Sediment buildup affects both tank and tankless systems differently but creates problems for both. In tank heaters, sediment reduces efficiency and can cause the tank to overheat. In tankless units, mineral deposits and scaling can block heat exchangers and cause the system to shut down or operate unsafely.
Before water heater problems become safety hazards, get a professional evaluation. A qualified home inspector can assess your water heater's condition, test safety devices, and identify potential problems before they become dangerous.
The International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI®) trains inspectors to properly evaluate water heater safety and performance.
For a quick water maintenance check on your home, contact your local InterNACHI® certified home inspector.
Hot water is a modern necessity, but it requires respect for the powerful systems that deliver it safely to your family.
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