Thank Your Plumbers — For Real!

Thank Your Plumbers — For Real!

Water Heater Installations - Safety Guidelines That A Plumber Follows

by Bill Turner

Safety guidelines should be considered when you are getting ready to have a new water heater installed. A plumber may use special materials during the installation of a water heater. These materials will protect against damages and injuries.

A Drip Pan

A drip pan that is constructed of galvanized steel or plastic will catch condensation that leaks from a water heater. The use of a drip pan will ensure that flooring materials remain dry. This will prevent water damage that could lead to needing to have flooring materials replaced. A drip pan is typically used in areas where laminate materials, tiles, carpet, or wood planks are located. If a water heater will be installed in a garage or another structure that contains concrete flooring, a drip pan won't be necessary.

If a plastic pan is going to be used to collect condensation, a plumber will make sure that the pan contains a flame-retardant coating. Gas water heaters require that a flame is ignited when water is being heated up. For this reason, the use of a galvanized steel pan may be recommended by a plumber. This type of pan won't melt, plus it will be resistant to rust.

Ventilation And Barriers

Gas water heaters can leak carbon monoxide. The use of a water heater in an enclosed space that is not properly vented can be dangerous. Some jurisdictions prohibit water heaters from being installed in bedrooms, closets, bathrooms, and other closed-off spaces.

A plumbing technician will assess the water heater model that is going to be installed. Then, they will determine a suitable area to install it. A water heater can be installed in a utility room, a shed, or a garage. A plumber may use a base material to elevate a gas water heater. Elevating a water heater will prevent flammable vapors from coming into contact with gasoline or another combustible product that is stored in the same structure as a water heater.

Once the water heater has been installed, a plumber will prepare a ventilation plan. Proper venting will allow plenty of fresh air to enter the structure where a water heater is located. If a water heater has been installed in a garage, a plumber may secure barrier materials around the water tank. Barrier materials will prevent a hot water heater from becoming damaged. A hot water heater system should be inspected annually. Inspecting a water heater is a routine part of a maintenance plan.

For more information, contact a local company, like Merrimack Valley Plumbing LLC.


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Thank Your Plumbers — For Real!

When you have a plumber come work on your home, we hope you thank them. Really, you should be thanking any contractor who works on your home, but we are a little partial to plumbers and happen to think they deserve a little more recognition. After all, the stuff inside the pipes they work on doesn't usually smell very good. And even though they wear gloves, they have to get pretty close to it! If you would like to learn a little more about plumbers, then we invite you to read this blog. After learning the basics, you'll really want to thank your plumbers!

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