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Alex
S. Cohilas, Fire Chief |
Jeff Hood, Assistant Fire Chief James Maloy, Assistant Fire Chief |
To check your tap water temperature:
- Let the hot water run from the bathroom faucet for one to three minutes;
- Using a reliable thermometer, check the temperature of the water coming from the faucet;
- Repeat the test in the kitchen sink and other bathrooms in your home.
Turn your water heater thermostat to the lowest setting comfortable for you and your family. For most people, 120° (low or warm) is sufficient and safe to help prevent accidental burns. Water heaters set for 140 ° F or higher pose a real danger, especially to children and the elderly. It takes just 5 seconds to receive a third-degree burns from 140° F water.
Lower water temperatures may affect automatic dish washing and laundering. Although manufacturers of these equipment's usually recommend 140° for best results, a lower temperature may also give satisfactory results.
Caring for Your Gas Water Heater
- Keep the burner area free of dust and dirt;
- Store combustibles or flammables such as gasoline or paint away from the water heater;
- A gurgling noise when the burner is on is a sign of sediment buildup which can damage your water heater;
- Keep lime deposits and sediment from building up in a new water heater by draining several pails of water from the heater every month. (CAUTION: An older water heater which has not been drained regularly may already have lime deposits that make it impossible to completely close the drain valve after draining water from the tank as suggested, causing a constant drip.)
Relighting the Pilot Light
If the pilot light on the water heater goes out, shut off gas to the appliance. Do not use tools to turn the gas valve - use hand pressure only. Relight according to manufacturer's instructions, usually near the control on the lower part of the tank. If you have difficulty relighting, call a qualified appliance service technician or qualified heating contractor.