Many people don't realize that water heaters can be a source of carbon monoxide poisoning. In fact, water heaters are one of the leading sources of carbon monoxide poisoning in the home. This is usually due to poorly vented fuel sources or leaking vent pipes.
"Home furnaces and water heaters are a major source of carbon monoxide poisoning, usually from poorly vented fuel sources or leaking vent pipes. Ideally, you should have your furnace and water heater inspected by a professional at least once a year." - IHLaw.com
Ideally, you should have your furnace and water heater inspected by a professional at least once a year. If you notice any problems with your water heater, such as water leaks or strange noises, be sure to have it checked out by a professional immediately.
Carbon monoxide poisoning can be deadly, so it's important to take these safety precautions seriously.
How Do I Know If My Water Heater Has Carbon Monoxide?
Since carbon monoxide is odorless and colorless, one of the best ways that you can be alerted to any CO emissions from your water heater is to plug in a carbon monoxide detector near your water heater.
You may also be alerted if you and/or your family start experiencing any of these symptoms which are very common indicators of CO poisoning;
- headaches
- dizziness or lightheaded
- blurry vision
- vomiting
- loss of consciousness
- shortness of breath
- overall weakness
- confusion
If you suspect that your water heater may be leaking carbon monoxide, there are some other things on the water heater that you can do to check.
- One of the easiest ways to tell is if there is water pooling around the water heater.
- You can also check the water heater for any signs of rust or corrosion.
If you see any of these signs, it 's best to have a professional plumber take a look at your water heater to determine if it's leaking carbon monoxide.
What Should I Do If My Water Heater Is Leaking Carbon Monoxide?
If you have a water heater that's leaking carbon monoxide, you should evacuate your home immediately and call the fire department. Carbon monoxide is a deadly gas, and can cause serious health problems, or even death, if left untreated.
It's important to take these precautions seriously, as carbon monoxide can be difficult to detect as we mentioned above.
What Would Cause A Water Heater To Leak Carbon Monoxide?
There are a few things that could cause your water heater to leak carbon monoxide. One possibility is that the water heater is old and is no longer safe to use. Another possibility is that the water heater has been damaged by corrosion. A third possibility is that the water heater was not properly installed, and the vent pipe is leaking carbon monoxide.
Can You Prevent A Water Heater From Leaking Carbon Monoxide?
There are a few things you can do to help prevent your water heater from leaking carbon monoxide. One is to have your water heater inspected by a professional plumber every year. Another is to make sure that the water heater is properly installed, and that the vent pipe is not leaking. Finally, you can install a carbon monoxide detector near the water heater in your home. This will warn you if there is any carbon monoxide present in your home.
Can Electric Water Heaters Cause Carbon Monoxide Poisoning?
The short answer is No, electric water heaters are powered by electricity, not fuel.
Most water heaters use natural gas or propane to generate heat. However, there are a few types of water heaters that use electricity to generate heat. These water heaters are called electric water heaters.
Water heaters are a common source of carbon monoxide poisoning, but it's not the case with electric ones. This is because only gas-burning water heaters can produce the dangerous fumes that may lead to headaches and other health problems if present in high concentrations levels near your home or business.
How Do You Check For Carbon Monoxide Without A Detector?
If you think you may have carbon monoxide poisoning, the first step is to evacuate everyone from the affected area and call 911.
The most obvious signs you would notice are the health signs we mentioned above such as headaches, dizziness, etc.
Otherwise, without a proper carbon monoxide detector, there really is no way to detect this deadly gas.
If you have any of these physical signs, get out of your house and contact 911 immediately. Then call a professional plumber to inspect or more likely replace your water heater. Carbon monoxide poisoning can be deadly, so it's important to take these precautions to protect yourself and your family.
Carbon monoxide detectors are an important part of keeping your family safe from carbon monoxide poisoning, but they don't catch every leak.
Conclusion
In short, water heaters can be a major source of carbon monoxide poisoning. Be sure to have your water heater and furnace inspected by a professional at least once a year, and if you already have a carbon monoxide detector, make sure to test it regularly and replace the batteries as needed.
Carbon monoxide poisoning can be very dangerous , so it's important to take the necessary precautions to protect yourself and your family.
If you have any questions about water heaters or are having some problems with it, call Atlantis Plumbing today at 770-421-1515. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.