The winter is an inevitability and cold temperatures can affect many systems in the home. But do you know the impact it can have on your daily hot water heater? Cold weather and outdoor faucets as well as exposed plumbing can be dangerous for the hot water heater. If these problems go unchecked, you could be facing considerable expenses and a need for a number of repairs. Knowing the impact colder temperatures have on hot water heaters is important.
How Does It Affect the Hot Water Heater?
Let’s jump on to the topic and look at some ways that your hot water heater may be affected negatively due to the frigid temperatures. You can’t control the temperature, but you can be better informed and take precautions beforehand to ensure a problem doesn’t get out of hand. Some effects are listed below:
- Leaks: Your pipes can freeze due to a drop in temperature, which can, in turn, lead your hot water heater to work harder, causing overexpansion. This can then cause leaks which can also turn into a bigger problem if unchecked.
- Less hot water: Yes, you heard it right; low temperature means your hot water runs out much quicker. This isn’t that big of a problem and can be fixed by adjusting the hot water temperature, but you still need to call a plumber for this.
- Higher bills: As a hot water heater needs to work harder, it uses more energy which causes the energy bills to increase significantly as well in winter.
- Longer time for water to heat up: In summer, your pipes aren’t frozen, so the water heats up much quicker. This is because; cold pipes tend to draw out heat from your hot water in winter. This also causes fluctuating water temperature.
- Loud noises: If you hear loud noises from your hot water heater, it might be because the pipes are frozen and it takes time for them to defrost; this can cause a “popping” sound. This problem is prevalent in winter but can occur other times, too, for a variety of reasons.
The Impact of Cold Weather on Hot Water Heaters
When winter arrives, temperatures drop. It’s not just the air outside that gets colder; the ground temperature also decreases. This drop in temperature affects the water that enters your water heater, making it colder than usual. As a result, your water heater has to work harder to heat the chilly water to the desired temperature.
Increased Strain on Older Hot Water Heaters
If you have an older water heater, particularly one over eight years old, it may face even more significant challenges in maintaining the proper temperatures during this cycle. The aging components and wear and tear on the unit make it less efficient in heating the water. With colder water constantly entering the water heater, it struggles to keep up, leading to increased strain on the system.
What to Do When Your Hot Water Heater Is Acting Up in Winter?
Now, you already know what type of problems cold temperature can have on your water heater and plumbing system, but what do you do in such a condition? As you know, properly working hot water heaters are essential in the cold weather, so taking care of them is important.
Well, of course, you should call a plumber as soon as possible for serious problems like leaks, insufficient heating, rust, and way too loud noises. And even when you don’t have such problems, you should still call a plumber to ensure everything is working properly regarding your hot water heater. Moreover, to prevent any future problems regarding your hot water heater and plumbing system, you should conduct routine maintenance checks through your favorite plumbing company. As you know, if left untreated or unseen, such problems can lead to huge problems which might require you to change the whole plumbing system of your house. Not only is this extremely expensive but also very time-consuming.
So what should you do? Well, call a plumber and talk to them to get their expert opinion. And if they think it is a bigger problem than it seems, they will come and solve the problem immediately or at least give you the appropriate opinion. Even when you want to change a hot water heater due to a variety of reasons like it getting old, calling plumbers is the best option to get work done quickly and cheaply.
Signs Your Water Heater Is Struggling
It is not something you want for your family to go without a working water heater. It’s a good idea for you to be aware of any signs that your system may be having trouble so you can call a plumber immediately. Even the smallest problems can lead to a major breakdown.
These are signs that your water heater is in need of repair:
- Your energy bills are skyrocketing
- Your water heater has gone rusty
- Leakage in your water heater
- Water temperature can fluctuate dramatically
- Your water heater makes banging or knocking noises
- Your water takes a while to heat up
- Water is never hot enough
How to Avoid Damage in Your Water Heater
You can prepare your water heater to withstand the colder temperatures and avoid costly repairs or replacements.
Here are some tips to avoid a damaged water heater:
- If possible, upgrade to a tankless water heater
- Regular, professional water heater maintenance
- Insulate your plumbing pipes in order to stop water freezing.
- Replace your old faucet aerators and showerheads
- Use cold water to wash your clothes
- Do not run the dishwasher until it is full
Schedule a FREE Quote
Clog Kings has years of collective plumbing experience. Contact us immediately if your water heater is experiencing cold damage. Our licensed plumbers will inspect your water heater, and take temperature readings at each fixture in your home to determine if the problem is due to your water heater. Then, we will discuss your options with you and recommend the best way to fix your water heater.
We are a market leader in plumbing and have access to the best technology and equipment to make your home comfortable. As a family-owned company we understand the importance of a running plumbing system in your home. We will go the extra mile for you. Recirculating pumps are a great way to ensure that your family has hot water. They deliver hot water quicker and reduce your water usage.
In conclusion, make sure to take care of your hot water heaters this winter to have proper hot water throughout this cold weather. Also, solve any plumbing issues you might have before winter to don’t have a problem later on! If you would like to have a professional come out and take a look at your plumbing issues contact us today!
Professional Services
Armed with an array of plumbing technologies, and the latest advances in plumbing tools and techniques. Friendly and professional, Clog King’s plumbers strive to provide great customer service from start to finish. Our services include:
- Drain Cleaning
- General Plumbing Repair
- Sewer Repair
- Sewer Replacement
- Tankless Water Heater Installation
- Toilet Repair
- Video Plumbing Inspection
- Water Heater Replacement
- Expert Water Softener Installation Services
- Water Filtration
