Your water heater is one hard working appliance. Keeping it properly maintained is important for your safety.

Make sure your water heater is vented properly by locating the draft diverter or hood. This funnel shaped piece of flue pipe connects to and usually sits on the top of the water heater. When you hear the burner come on, hold a piece of tissue paper close to the opening of the draft hood, near the bottom. The paper should pull in. If it doesn't, the water heater is back drafting.

Be sure that your water heater only has a single draft hood in place. Oftentimes, the old draft diverter isn't removed when a new water heater with its own draft hood is installed, creating a common double draft hood configuration which can easily lead to the spillage of flue gases into the living area.

Corroded pipes can allow flue gases such as carbon monoxide into your home. Do not repair with aluminum foil or makeshift measures. Call in the experts. You can also test for flue spillage from the base of the water heater by holding a mirror near the suspected leak area. If the mirror becomes foggy, this indicates the spillage of flue gases which can contain carbon monoxide. This defective venting needs to be corrected quickly.

It is important to avoid storing combustible materials near your water heater. Never place items on top of the water heater and keep the surrounding area free of clutter to avoid a potential fire.

If you're not sure about the potential problems, have your water heater checked regularly by a professional. You'll save yourself the worry of wondering about the safety of everyone and everything in your home.