As we transition into the colder months, there are many appliances in your home that need to be checked on your seasonal maintenance to-do list. The most important thing in your home that should be functioning properly is your water heater. You wouldn’t want to walk into an ice-cold shower when there are freezing temperatures outside, right?
Does cold weather affect water heaters? Yes! To ensure that your water heater is performing at its best, there are some common plumbing issues to be aware of during the colder months. When the outside temperature enters freezing conditions, the pipes in your home are at risk of freezing too. If this happens, your pipes will overexpand and start to leak, or sometimes even burst. Not only does this cause a major plumbing issue for you to deal with, but your water heater will also be forced to work overtime.
All of this sounds like a disaster that can dampen your holiday spirit. Luckily, there are signs that you can be on the lookout for to ensure that you catch any issues with your water heater before the damage is irreversible.
Leaky Pipes or Water Spots
Leaky pipes on a hot water heater can be an easy fix sometimes, especially if the appliance is new. Loose or defective valves can happen occasionally and can be remedied with a visit from a professional plumber. But most often when a water heater is leaking and creating water spots, it’s likely a new appliance is in your future. Intake pipes often burst when temperatures drop outside and will also require replacement.
Dramatic Increase in Energy Bills
Keeping hot water in freezing weather can be a struggle. A big increase in your utility bill during the winter months can mean your water heater isn’t able to keep your water as warm as you’d like. Tank-style water heaters that store hot water until it’s ready to be used are working overtime as heat is consistently lost to the environment. When the water cools down, the heating unit turns on, using more power to reheat the water. Insulation is key here: an insulation jacket and pipe insulation will preserve heat as the water sits in the tank and moves throughout the plumbing system. A little prep will keep your water heater winter ready.
Rust on the Appliance
Rust can be hard to avoid when it comes to water heaters, especially as they age. If your water heater is on the older side, its tank or intake pipes have likely rusted, which can create other issues such as leaks and drips. Rust is a good sign it's time to look into getting a new appliance. Our technicians can show you how to choose a water heater that’s right for you.
Banging and Knocking during Operation
Loud noises aren’t necessarily a sign of water heater issues, but it may require repairs if the noise is very loud or out of the ordinary. Some fixes can include adjustment of the intake valves or removal of sediment from inside the tank. Also, ensuring that warm air can circulate around the heater can prevent issues with frozen pipes, which make “popping” noises before they break.
Lack of Consistent Hot Water
If you find yourself running lukewarm baths or having no hot water while washing the dishes, it’s a clear indication there is a problem with your hot water heater. Sometimes it’s an easy fix, such as setting the thermostat to a higher temperature, but other times the issues can be more serious. The device may need to be replaced, or one of our plumbers may need to drain the tank and remove layers of built-up sediment, which can reduce the volume of hot water you’re able to draw. It’s best to get a professional to look at your appliance if you’re noticing a lack of hot water on a consistent basis.
If you notice any of the above issues, it’s time to call your local plumber. A technician can come to your home and spot the problem in an efficient and timely manner, and provide helpful
water heater maintenance tips. Remember to never try to DIY a plumbing fix, as this could lead to more expensive damages down the road.
If you want to keep enjoying hot baths and showers during the winter, your best bet is to take preventative steps so that your water heater is sure to successfully run through the cold weather. Scheduling seasonal maintenance with a plumbing technician is recommended during this time of year, especially if you’re trying to get your home ready for holiday guests. Your water heater and plumbing system will thank you for the special care as they work hard to accommodate their increased use.
Contact Plumb Works: Your Atlanta, Georgia Plumbers
If you live in Atlanta, Georgia give Plumb Works a call at
404-524-1825. We have
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