If you own a gas water heater, it has the potential to kill you and your loved ones! It's a scary thought but a sad reality for many whom have fallen victim to the unfortunate circumstance of carbon monoxide poisoning. Each year carbon monoxide poisoning from heating systems and water heaters kills about 160 people in the U.S. Many of those deaths could have been prevented with an annual safety inspection. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Division urges consumers to have all appliances that burn fuels, which include gas water heaters, inspected by a professional. In addition to carbon monoxide poisoning, gas water heaters have been known to catch on fire, especially old ones that lack a safety feature that many newer water heaters possess. This safety feature is a oneway venting system that allows vapors to get in but not get out, preventing a flashback fire. Every year in the U.S., over 800 homes catch on fire as a result of a flammable liquid such as gasoline or paint thinner being accidentally tipped over and spilled, sending flammable vapors in the air that reach the pilot light on the water heater and ignite. If you own an old water heater, please have it inspected for your sake and your family's sake. For more information, call us or visit www.cpsc.gov. We do offer free safety inspections with every service call.

Bad outcomes don't only occur with gas water heaters. Both gas and electric water heaters hold the potential to leak and cause flooding in your home. Water heaters have a limited lifespan (usually 6-10 years) at which time they can leak with many bad resulting possibilities, including a rotting floor and/or mold and fungus growth. Have your water heater inspected! It is the best way to safeguard your home and possessions and it will save you much time and money. Remember that we gladly give free water heater inspections with every service call.