Every day we use several appliances that we turn on and off constantly, most of the time we don’t even think that they can represent a danger if we leave them connected, but are we aware of the dangers that exist in our kitchen? A simple mistake could cause our kitchen to burn down, and we don’t think anyone wants that.
If we think of appliances that seem “harmless” to us, we would find our coffee makers, toasters, perhaps the microwave and water heaters. It is about the latter that we come to warn you. Something as simple as a water heater can become a threat. We will tell you below!
Why is a water heater a risk?
Let’s think for a moment about one of these. We know that it is essential to have one at home if we don’t want to die of hypothermia in winter, but, whether it is electric or gas, it is an appliance that has to maintain a constant temperature inside to be ready every time we want to turn on the tap. And it is precisely this residual heat that it conserves that could cause a disaster to occur in our home.
- For example, one of the risks we find is that of short circuits, especially in electric models, where overheating or a cable failure can cause the fire to spread.
- On the other hand, gas leaks (for those that are gas, obviously), can have poor installations or insufficient ventilation that cause the accumulation of flammable gases.
- Finally, if the thermostat fails and the water boils uncontrollably, the internal pressure of the tank could cause the appliance to explode.
Can we reduce risks?
Of course, although it is true that if our appliance is in poor condition, it is best not to use it and call technical service to fix it or replace it, we can take small steps to prevent our kitchen from becoming a nightmare, and we are going to tell you what those tips are!
- Unplug it when you are not using it, so if the water heater is not being used, it is best to turn it off. This way you will cut off any risk of overheating as well as saving energy!
- Periodically inspect the heater, so you can anticipate any technical failure. Experts recommend checking the condition of the cables (if they are electric) and checking that there are no leaks in combustion models
- Check that there are no obstructions or flammable materials nearby. It’s best to place the heater in a well-ventilated area (and away from curtains or cleaning products that can catch fire)
- Use a carbon monoxide detector, if your heater is gas-powered. Installing a carbon monoxide detector can alert you to dangerous leaks in your home.
So, although this appliance is absolutely essential in our homes, it is also one of the most dangerous, so we must bear in mind that it needs specific care! Prevention, in these cases, is crucial because a simple gesture could prevent a fire and save lives. If you think your water heater is in poor condition, do not hesitate to turn it off and call a service technician, remember that your own life is in danger!!
It’s not about showering with water heated in a pot either, but be careful!