Every winter, reports of accidents involving water heaters — from severe burns to fatal electric shocks — serve as a grim reminder that this common household appliance can become a hidden hazard if neglected.
Tragically, last week, a young girl in a village lost her life due to burns from a water heater, highlighting the urgent need for awareness, safe usage and regular maintenance in every home.
As families increasingly rely on water heaters during colder months, small oversights, unprofessional installations, or lack of regular maintenance can quickly escalate into serious safety risks. Awareness and preventive measures are therefore essential to protect everyone at home.
Electrical engineer Mohammed al Yarubi highlights that the insulation inside a heater’s tank naturally deteriorates over time due to exposure to salts and humidity. This degradation may allow electricity to leak into the water without any visible signs.
“The real danger lies in faults that cannot be seen,” he explains. “If electricity reaches areas where it shouldn’t, a routine shower can suddenly become extremely hazardous unless the power supply is fully disconnected beforehand.”
Al Yarubi also points out that some households still operate heaters without proper grounding or rely on unprofessional installations, leaving them highly vulnerable to sudden electrical faults. These overlooked details, combined with increased heater usage in winter, make maintenance not optional but essential.
Maintenance is key
Before winter sets in, Al Yarubi recommends a comprehensive service check. Inspecting thermal insulation around the tank and pipes prevents heat loss and keeps moisture away from electrical components.
Any cracks, wear, or signs of deterioration should be addressed immediately. He further emphasises cleaning the tank periodically to remove mineral deposits, which reduce heating efficiency, increase electricity consumption and weaken the tank, potentially causing leaks or internal pressure buildup. Pressure relief valves and thermostats must also function correctly, as their failure can lead to overheating or, in extreme cases, explosions.
A common risky practice is keeping water heaters switched on all day to ensure instant hot water. Al Yarubi warns that prolonged operation places constant stress on internal wiring, which can eventually burn out, generate heavy smoke, or even cause a sudden explosion if unnoticed.
He advises that heaters should only operate when needed and be turned off once the desired water temperature is reached.
Power off before use
The most sensitive moment with water heaters is during showering. Al Yarubi stresses that completely disconnecting the power supply — by unplugging the device or switching off the circuit breaker — is the most critical safety step.
Simply pressing the power button is insufficient. He also recommends checking water temperature by hand, particularly for children and the elderly, and ensuring proper ventilation in the bathroom. Steam condensation on wet metallic surfaces can increase the risk of electric conduction if a fault exists.
Stay alert to warning signs
If you notice any tingling sensation when touching faucets, burning smells, or unusual sounds, the power must be cut off immediately, and a qualified technician should be called. Safety awareness within the family is equally important; everyone should understand safe usage, when to turn off the heater and which warning signs require immediate attention.
While water heaters are common household appliances, neglect or improper handling can transform them into silent dangers. Regular maintenance, careful usage and heightened awareness remain the keys to keeping every family member safe during the cold winter months.
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