1.Introduction

2.The Construction of PVC Hot Water Bottles

3.What Exactly Goes Down When Falling With a PVC Hot Water Bottle

4.How To Inspect Your PVC Hot Water Bottle After a Fall

5.Actions to Take When You Find Some Damage

6.Conclusion

Introduction

An old friend, heat bags or hot water bottles are those household which are good friends during the cold days helping to ease the crumpled muscles or just to keep a person warm during the cold night. However, just like any other product which is made from some materials like PVC, these hot water bottles can easily be damaged if is mishandled. The most frequent issue here is whether or not a hot water bottle, especially a PVC hot water bottle is still safe and usable if it have been dropped downstairs or fell with great force. In this blog, you will learn what to do when your hot water bottle falls down or rolls off a bed and how to determine if it’s okay to heat again.

The Construction of PVC Hot Water Bottles

It is still not possible to discuss the dangers of dropping a hot water bottle without looking at the materials used in making one. Modern hot water bottles are often PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) and this type of plastic is very cheap, resilient and pliant. PVC material can be used throughout an extensive range of ordinary, often utilized products due to its strength and flexibility. Nevertheless, as it is with most other materials, PVC also has its weaknesses in terms of impact absorption capacity.

The PVC hot water bottles are normally preferred for their ability to hold hot water without succumbing to the pressure and also to keep warm. However careless dropping one from a height or subjecting it to a very hard impact say, by dropping it down the flight of stairs might damage the hot water bottle.

What Exactly Goes Down When Falling With A PVC Hot Water Bottle?

A PVC hot water bottle when dropped on different instances causes varied consequences based on height, angle and surface upon which it was dropped. Let's break down the possible scenarios:

Minor Damage

Sometimes, the PVC hot water bottle may drop and hardly incur any big blow. PVC is a very flexible material, it is able to absorb some of the impact if it falls for instance on an area rug, carpet etc. As long as the body of bottle by appearance may not show any cracks, punctures or leaking when shaken gently, it is good for reuse. Nonetheless, several areas in the hot water bottle have to be checked for any flaws before the bottle is filled with hot water.

1.Visible Cracks or Dents

If the hot water bottle accidentally falls to the tiled floor or concrete floor, there could be appearance texture cracks, dents or other surface defects. This means that if the bottles are filled with water, then they leak from the cracks that are on the body of the bottle – a factor that makes such bottle unusable. A dent in the material may be harmless in the present but gradually may compromise the structure of the bottle since it may give in to cracks.

2.Stopper Damage inside

As much as it is not easy to see the outside, the seals of the stopper have been damaged through the fall. The aforementioned components are all critically important to prevent leakage. The condition also poses threat to the stopper or sealing area in terms of alignment and stress if the fall happened and when the bottle filled with water it has tendency to leak. Boils can be deadly sometimes because it can lead to overflow of hot water thereby causing burns.

How to Inspect Your PVC Hot Water Bottle After a Fall

If your hot water bottle has been dropped then you need to check the material before using it again. Here’s a checklist to help you assess whether your PVC hot water bottle is still safe:

Look for Cracks and or Punctures

Inspect all the surface of the hot water bottle, and especially look for regions that could have been touched by the bottle after the fall. The most damage most commonly associated with this part involves cracks, punctures or tears. Never ignore even the slightest crack because they all lead to leakage of the water.

Inspect the Stopper and Seal

Eye the stopper and the sealing area well. Check that the stopper seats well and that – if it has one – the rubber gasket is in place. In this case any injury might create leaks and therefore the cap should remain as tight as possible and adequately sealed.

Test for Flexibility

Try to fold the hot water bottle and twist it, to check its pliability and ability to move in any way. PVC hot water bottles are supposed to be somewhat supple – if the material feels hard and unyielding after a drop – it could have become brittle and is therefore likely to crack in the future. If it fails to regain its form or feels rigid then probably it’s not safe to use any more.

After you are done with your inspection where you are still in doubt as to the state of the bottle you can pour cold water into the bottle (Do Not Heat The Bottle) and check for signs of leakage. Put the bottle flat on a safe surface and leave it for a few minutes just in case there’s leakage. Any sign of damp-ness on this bottle should be considered a sign that it’s not the right product for use any longer.

Actions to Take When You Find Some Damage

If your PVC hot water bottle has been spoilt through an accident as through falling it should be well disposed. It is very dangerous to continue using a hot water bottle which has cracks, leakage, or other signs of structural problems. Some of the instances which make it dangerous to use hot water bottles include: if the material fails it may produce bursting and you find yourself with severe burn or other related incidents.

Preventative Measures

To avoid accidental damage to your hot water bottle, here are a few preventive measures you can take:

1.Store the Hot Water Bottle Properly

Ensure you place your hot water bottle in an area that it cannot be easily knocked over or fall over. In some cases, it is recommendable not to place it on top surfaces such as shelves or countertop.

2.Handle with Care

Handle your hot water bottle softly. Should not be dropped, particularly on surfaces which are rigid, and should be inspected for signs of wear and tear before use.

3.Use a Protective Cover

You might want to get a protector for your PVC hot water bottle. This can also protect the hot water bottle in a way from impacts so that when it falls chances of cracking are very small.

Conclusion

Obviously, hot water bottles are meant for warm and comforting purpose; however, lost its shape presents a concern since it can become a safety concern especially if one fills the bottle with hot water. You should be better to check the hot water bottle every time before you use this. When in doubt it is safer to change it than to cause an accident due to the bottle’s malfunctions. If you properly handle and maintain your hot water bottle, then there’s no reason why you cannot use yours to keep you warm on cold winter nights.