Why does it take so long for my hot water to heat up?

There are several reasons why you may have to wait for the water to get warm when you turn on the faucet. The water heater’s distance from your faucet, it’s age, size and sediment buildup can all play a role in your wait time. Solutions can range from replacing your appliance to investing in a tankless water heater or a hot water recirculation system. Talk to one of our plumbers to see what option would work best for you.

Why does my hot water run out so quickly?

Your spouse may not be the person to blame for a chilly shower in the morning. If your hot water heater is struggling to keep water warm, it could be a sign there is a problem somewhere. Check for leaky pipes and water spots, rust, and sediment buildup in the tank. Winter weather makes it harder on your water heater to do its job, so making sure the tank and pipes are insulated can help.

Why is my utility bill so high in the winter?

Electricity bills are naturally higher in the winter as people make adjustments to keep warm. To make sure your water heater isn’t costing you more than it should, make sure the appliance is routinely maintained, that the tank and pipes are insulated and that the temperature is set correctly. Keeping on top of those things can help keep costs down during the cold winter months.

I’ve tried everything, why don’t I have enough hot water?

When it comes to winter weather and water heaters, sometimes home remedies aren’t enough. Speak to one of our certified plumbing technicians who can guide you to a fix for all your hot water woes.

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Can Cold Weather Affect Your Water Heater?

Plumb Works Inc. • Sep 22, 2020

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.

Common Signs That You Have Hot Water Heater Issues

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.

How to Avoid A Damaged Water Heater This Season

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 Atlanta plumbing services ready to help!

Frequently Asked Questions about Water Heaters and Winter Weather

Why does it take so long for my hot water to heat up?

There are several reasons why you may have to wait for the water to get warm when you turn on the faucet. The water heater’s distance from your faucet, it’s age, size and sediment buildup can all play a role in your wait time. Solutions can range from replacing your appliance to investing in a tankless water heater or a hot water recirculation system. Talk to one of our plumbers to see what option would work best for you.
Why does my hot water run out so quickly?

Your spouse may not be the person to blame for a chilly shower in the morning. If your hot water heater is struggling to keep water warm, it could be a sign there is a problem somewhere. Check for leaky pipes and water spots, rust, and sediment buildup in the tank. Winter weather makes it harder on your water heater to do its job, so making sure the tank and pipes are insulated can help.
Why is my utility bill so high in the winter?

Electricity bills are naturally higher in the winter as people make adjustments to keep warm. To make sure your water heater isn’t costing you more than it should, make sure the appliance is routinely maintained, that the tank and pipes are insulated and that the temperature is set correctly. Keeping on top of those things can help keep costs down during the cold winter months.
I’ve tried everything, why don’t I have enough hot water?

When it comes to winter weather and water heaters, sometimes home remedies aren’t enough. Speak to one of our certified plumbing technicians who can guide you to a fix for all your hot water woes.

The team at Plumb Works Inc. are experts in all types of water heater services, including tankless water heater repair. Our technicians can spot minor issues in your plumbing before they cause serious damage. Don’t wait until you’re in the midst of a water heater emergency. Enter this season prepared and worry-free with Plumb Works Inc.! 404-524-1825

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