Can a Hot Water Heater Cause a Fire?

Most Peoria, AZ, homes have a hot water heater. They produce warm water for you to bathe in and clean with, making them vital during Arizona's chilly winter season. However, many residents wonder if a hot water heater can cause a fire and put their properties at risk.

Can a hot water heater cause a fire? To find out, Desert Water Plumbing and Rooter is here to teach you everything you need to know about water heaters.

Desert Water Plumbing and Rooter is Peoria’s expert water heater repair company. We offer outstanding plumbing services that will have your fixtures and pipes working better than ever at a price that won’t burden your budget. If you need professional plumbing services in Peoria, AZ, or the surrounding area, contact Desert Water Plumbing and Rooter.

What Does a Water Heater Do?

As the name suggests, water heaters warm water so you can enjoy hot water on demand. Most models convert energy or gas into heat to increase the water’s temperature before supplying it to your plumbing fixtures. Without a hot water heater, you’ll be stuck taking cold showers that are nearly unbearable once the winter temperatures set in. 

Hot water heaters come in two primary varieties:

• Gas water heaters
• Electric water heaters

Gas water heaters use propane or natural gas to heat water, while electric variations utilize electricity. Although each model functions differently, they perform the same task and supply hot water throughout your home.

However, the question remains: can a hot water heater cause a fire?

Can Hot Water Heaters Create a Fire Hazard?

Although rare, hot water heaters can start a fire in specific situations. In fact, the National Fire Protection Association states that hot water heaters have caused 11% of fires over the past 10 years. 

Fortunately, both electric and gas water heaters have several safeguards that prevent fires, but failing to maintain your unit can increase the chances of your system catching ablaze.

System neglect and improper use are the two primary causes of water heater fires, but other issues can spark a fire as well. 

Gas water heaters and electric water heaters typically start fires in different ways. 

How Gas Water Heaters Start Fires

Gas water heaters are prone to leaks that release natural gas into your home. Natural gas is highly flammable and can cause a major fire or even an explosion if it gets too close to a flame or spark. It can also cause several other health problems, including:

• 1ms
• Loss of consciousness

Gas leaks are incredibly serious and require immediate professional attention. If your water heater experiences a gas leak and you smell gas, evacuate your home and contact a professional as soon as possible.

How Electric Water Heaters Start Fires

Although electric water heaters won’t experience gas leaks, they can still pose a fire risk in extreme situations. They are more prone to overheating and can cause a significant electrical fire if they get too hot. That’s why it’s vital to keep electric water heaters clean and maintained to prevent overheating and other issues that can adversely affect their performance.