The Fire Danger Lurking Inside Your House

PRLog (Press Release) - Sep. 10, 2011 - Many people in Central Texas are worried about losing their homes to the wildfires currently raging, as photos and videos of burned homes are all over the news.  But a fire danger already exists in many homes not in the wildfire zone in the form of old or improperly installed gas water heaters.  According to a March, 2011 study by the National Fire Protection Association Fire Analysis and Research Division, leaking or improperly installed water heaters cause nearly 7,100 home fires on average in the United States each year, resulting in $125 million dollars in property damage and even some deaths.  Call a licensed plumber today to inspect your gas water heater and make sure you aren’t living with a ticking time bomb in your garage or attic.

Prevent Fire, Carbon Monoxide Poisoning, Explosion

A clogged pressure relief valve or faulty seal can cause a water heater to leak gas vapor. When a gas water heater leaks, vapors collect around it and leak into your home causing carbon monoxide poisoning and possibly igniting when the water heater kicks on. Combustible materials stored in the garage or attic near the heater, such as gasoline, thinners and paints, as well as old papers and clothes, can make a leaking heater into an explosive fire hazard.  Keep the area around your gas water heater clean and free of explosive chemicals. Call a plumber to inspect your aging heater to make sure there are no leaks and that it is properly vented. Also make sure to install carbon monoxide detectors throughout your home.

You CAN’T Do It Yourself:  It’s the LAW

Though water heaters are sold at most big box stores around town, improper installation is so dangerous that Texas law requires water heaters to be installed by a licensed master plumber who must pull a permit for it and also have it inspected by a plumbing inspector.  Doing this home repair yourself is not only extremely dangerous, it’s illegal.

About The Plumbinator:

The Plumbinator, a family-owned and operated company based in Round Rock, has been providing quality plumbing services to the Austin metro area since 2009. Known for their fast response and advanced plumbing know-how, their skilled and well trained technicians offer more than 30 years of industry experience, and their work is 100% guaranteed. Founded by Mickey Womack, his sons Timothy and Corey Womack, and his daughter Heather Womack, The Plumbinator looks forward to meeting new customers every day and getting their plumbing problems fixed right the first time.

If you’d like more information about this topic, or to schedule an interview with Mickey Womack, call 512-786-1771 or email Mickey at mickeytheplumber@yahoo.com.

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The Plumbinator, a family-owned and operated company based in Round Rock, Texas, has been providing quality plumbing services to the Austin-metro area since 2009.