Is your water heater struggling to meet your family’s demands during the winter months? If you answered yes, you aren’t alone. Often, water heaters struggle to perform optimally during the colder months. This could be due to a variety of reasons, and in the most severe cases, you may need to replace your water heater altogether before winter arrives. If you ever wondered why your water heater struggles during winter, the following information can be helpful.
Causes of Water Heater Issues During Winter
As water flows through your home’s pipes, the pipes are typically cold, like their surrounding area. Unless you insulate your pipes, the water going into and leaving your water heater can be impacted by the colder external temperatures. This will result in your water heater having to work harder to supply hot water.
Water heater installations are generally done in cold areas of the home, such as basements, garages, attics, and other unheated areas. In these locations, the heater must work harder to heat water, and when winter arrives, these unheated areas get even colder.
Lastly, if your water heater is too small for your home, it can struggle to keep up during the winter months. Water heaters that are too small tend to work overtime to supply hot water. This extra work can result in having to replace your water heater earlier than usual and schedule more repairs and maintenance visits.
The Importance of Insulation
You have probably heard of insulating your pipes during the winter, but did you know you should insulate your water heater as well? This is especially true if your water heater isn’t in an enclosed space or an unheated area of your home. Insulated water heaters work more efficiently, so you can lower your water bill and make sure your water heater continues to work throughout the winter months.
Common Winter Water Heater Problems
Sediment Buildup
One of the most common causes of water heater problems is sediment buildup. Sediment buildup can cause problems such as noisy operation, leaky pipes, and poor temperature consistency. Sediment can accumulate throughout the year, but it often causes the most problems during winter. When sediment encounters your water heater, it removes heat and lowers the temperature of the tank’s interior. This can result in your water heater having to work overtime to heat water during the cold months, which can result in higher energy bills and premature wear and tear on your water heater. Sediment can also damage other parts of your water heater, such as the anode rod, over time.
Noisy Operation
Most water heaters make some noise. This is to be expected; however, if your water heater is excessively loud or makes unusual noises, it is probably not ready for the winter. Loud banging noises usually signal it’s time to replace your water heater. If your water heater doesn’t need to be replaced, there may be sediment built up inside it.
Inconsistent Water Temperatures
Very few people want to take a cold shower during the winter. Unfortunately, inconsistent water temperatures can be a sign your water heater needs to be repaired or replaced. Mineral deposits, leaks, damaged parts, and pressure valve problems often cause inconsistent temperatures. The temperature you set for your water heater can also be a problem. Although you may be tempted to set your water heater at a higher temperature during the winter months, you should never set it higher than 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Doing so can result in higher energy bills and a water heater that works harder than it needs to.
Leaky Pipes
Leaky water heater pipes can be a major problem during the winter. Leaks are often caused by frozen water heater pipes. To combat this problem, you can insulate your water heater. Other problems, such as old age, improper tank pressure, loose drain valves, and poor installation, can also cause your water heater’s pipes to leak. It is important to note that, over time, your water heater’s pipes will wear down and need to be replaced.
Signs You Should Replace Your Water Heater Before Winter Arrives
You don’t want to get stuck without hot water during the winter. For this reason, you should know when your water heater needs to be replaced. Scheduling a maintenance visit before winter sets in is always a great idea. A plumbing professional can help determine if you need a new water heater before winter although you may notice these signs.
Insufficient Hot Water
Do you find yourself running out of hot water before you want to? A sudden reduction in the amount of hot water your water heater produces can indicate it needs to be replaced. Pay attention when showering, washing dishes, or doing any other task that requires a considerable amount of hot water. If the problem is severe enough, you may need to replace your water heater.
Old Age
Water heaters have a definite lifespan like any other plumbing fixture. Most tank water heaters have a lifespan of eight to 12 years while tankless water heaters can last up to 20 years with proper maintenance. If your water heater is near the end of its lifespan, it may be time to consider a replacement, especially if it doesn’t heat water like it used to.
Rusty or Discolored Water
If your water has become rusty, it’s probably time to replace your water heater. Rusty or discolored water is often a sign of internal damage to a water heater. As time goes by, the inside of your water heater’s tank can corrode, resulting in sediment and rust accumulating in the water. It’s important to note that if you see rusty, discolored water from your fixtures, you should contact a professional immediately. Rusty water is not only unpleasant to drink or bathe in – it can also be harmful to your health.
Water Outside the Tank
If you notice water pooling near the outside of your water heater, you probably need a new one. Your water heater should contain all the water inside it, so leaks and moisture near the exterior of the tank can mean it’s nearing the end of its lifespan. If your tank continues to erode, the leaks will only get worse. It’s important to replace your leaking water heater before the water causes structural damage to your home.
Increased Energy Bills
If your energy bills are higher than usual this winter, it may be time to replace your water heater. Struggling water heaters work harder to heat water, utilizing more energy than normal. When you replace your old, struggling water heater with a newer one, you may immediately benefit from energy savings.
Schedule Service at Your Convenience
Hope Plumbing understands your need for a functional water heater during the winter months. That is why we offer a variety of plumbing services to customers in Indianapolis and the surrounding area. Our services are affordable and professional, and we are ready to handle all your plumbing needs. Reach out to us today to schedule service at your convenience.
