Did you know that your gas water heater can put your family at risk without you even knowing it?
Most homeowners don’t realize that a malfunctioning water heater can emit carbon monoxide (CO) – a deadly, invisible gas that can cause brain damage or even death.
As a trusted plumbing company in Phoenix, Patriotic Plumbing & Rooting cares about our clients’ welfare above everything else. Here’s a quick guide on how to spot signs of carbon monoxide leaks and how to protect yourself and your family.
🚨 Emergency Notice
Do you suspect a leak, or are you currently experiencing signs of carbon monoxide poisoning? Evacuate, call 911, and go to your nearest hospital immediately. Bring your entire family and get your pets checked by a vet as well.
Warning: Carbon Monoxide Smells Like Nothing
Carbon Monoxide is called “the Silent Killer” for a reason.
Unlike gas leaks, it’s odorless and colorless, which makes it almost impossible to detect without a detector. That’s why incidents are far more common than most people realize.
In 2023 alone, the National Fire Incident Reporting System noted 82,245 CO incidents, 79,051 CO alarm malfunctions, and 79,289 CO alarm activations.
This is why we, professional plumbers, always recommend that homeowners get a carbon monoxide detector during heating installations. These function similarly to smoke alarms, but instead of sensing fire particles, they continuously monitor for dangerous levels of carbon monoxide.
So how do you know if you have a leak? Below are the two signs of carbon monoxide leaks…
Sign 1. Your Carbon Monoxide Detector Goes Off
If your detector sounds an alarm, don’t think twice.
Open windows, get your entire family outside, and call 911 right away. Once you’re safe, schedule a professional leak detection with a licensed plumber and have your water heater and other gas appliances checked before you come home.
Sign 2. You’re Experiencing Signs of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
While carbon monoxide leaks do not cause explosions or fire, they put families at risk of CO poisoning and even death.
When breathed in, CO attaches to hemoglobin in the blood and blocks oxygen from reaching vital organs like the brain and heart. In high concentrations, even just a few minutes of exposure can cause loss of consciousness and, worse, death.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the symptoms of CO poisoning are as follows:
- headaches
- dizziness
- nausea
- sudden fatigue
- lightheadedness and confusion
The obvious difference between a regular flu and CO poisoning is that people affected do not get a fever.
With the flu, symptoms usually spread from one person to another over time. But with carbon monoxide, everyone—including pets—may feel unwell at the same time, with symptoms easing once you step outside.
How To Prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Don’t wait until your carbon monoxide detector goes off. The dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning are preventable!
All you have to do is keep your heating systems in good condition, use detectors, practice safe habits at home, and let professionals handle all of the repairs.
ℹ️ Important Safety Info
Never attempt to repair a gas line or internal components yourself. The risk is simply not worth it. For safer solutions, schedule a professional inspection with our licensed plumbers.
Install a Carbon Monoxide Detector
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recommends that every home have detectors near bedrooms and on every floor. The Phoenix Fire Code also requires detectors for homes with fuel-burning appliances or attached garages.
Systems should be tested monthly, and detector batteries replaced yearly. Depending on the type, you can get one installed by calling a professional plumber or HVAC technician or by yourself.
For a quick and affordable option, homeowners can choose battery-operated or plug-in carbon monoxide detectors. They’re convenient and portable. However, their effectiveness heavily depends on proper placement, regular battery changes, and the homeowner’s diligence in upkeep.
For more reliable, long-term protection, choose professionally installed hardwired CO detectors. These units connect directly to your home’s electrical system and integrate with smoke alarms or security systems. Because they don’t rely solely on batteries, they offer continuous coverage and fewer chances of failure.
DO NOT Attempt DIY Water Heater Repair
Don’t gamble with your family’s health. Even if you’re pretty good at DIY projects, this is one job that’s never worth the risk.
Faulty heating systems are one of the most common household sources of CO leaks. That’s why trying to fix its issues, like a pilot light out, strange noises, and inconsistent heating by yourself is extremely dangerous. Even a small mistake can cause CO buildup in hours. Not to mention, you could void your warranty if you repair your water heater without a license.
Instead, hiring a professional plumber should be your priority. As soon as you notice that something is wrong with your system, give us a call. We can diagnose and fix the issue at hand and keep you safe from injury. Explore our full list of plumbing services today.
Get Your Heating Systems Regularly Checked
Finally, have experts regularly conduct leak inspections and smoke tests for possible hazards. This way, you can stay safe and ensure that all appliances are venting properly.
A quick maintenance visit today can prevent a deadly emergency tomorrow!
Hire a Professional, Hire Patriotic Plumbing & Rooter
Are you a Phoenix homeowner looking to install new or replacement modern water heaters, but want a safety guarantee? Your family’s safety is our top priority.
