Winter Can Do a Number on Your Water Heater

Winter weather can bring about a slue of problems, including for your water heater. The season when we want hot water and more of it is also the one when water heaters are most vulnerable to repairs and breakdowns. This is caused by colder water entering the pipes and colder air around the tank, especially water heaters located in unheated or uninsulated areas of a house like an unfinished basement. Then increased demand for hot water, combined with lower outdoor temps, can be the undoing of your system.

Here are five of the most common water heater problems you’re more likely to face during the winter months.

Inadequate Insulation – Most homeowners know to insulate exposed plumbing pipes during the winter months to prevent freezing and bursting. Well, water heaters need the same protection to perform at their best. Wrap an electric water heater with neoprene foam or a gas unit with fiberglass or aluminum foil tape. Doing so will raise and maintain the water temperature in the tank so the system doesn’t need to work as hard to bring tank water up to the desired setting. As a result, you’ll get hot water faster and cheaper.

Sediment Buildup – Over time, sediment can build up at the bottom of the tank, thus reducing its performance and efficiency. Have your water heater inspected for corrosion and sediment buildup (ideally before the cold weather kicks in) and have the tank flushed out to help it perform better all year long.

High Temperatures – When water heater temperature exceeds 120 degrees, the electrodes in the water can degrade and cause scaling. That makes water more acidic which in turn can destroy the anodes protecting the inside of the tank. At that point, your system may need to be repaired or replaced, depending on the extent of the damage.

Component Malfunction – Keep an eye on your water heater and contact Best Choice Plumbers if it’s not working up to snuff. When the water is too cold, components such as the pilot control valve and the thermocouple can malfunction. Regular maintenance can uncover the beginnings of these and other problems, potentially avoiding big issues, including system failure.

Heater Re-circulator or Thermal Expansion Tank Problems – It’s common for a water heater to have a circular pump or re-circulator in addition to a thermal expansion tank. When they are not operating properly, these parts can cost you a pretty penny to replace.

Your best bet? Be sure to have your water heater thoroughly inspected once a year by a member of our experienced team of plumbers. In fact, by enrolling in our Service Partner Plan for one low annual fee, you’ll receive a whole-house plumbing inspection along with several other key benefits.

For now, contact us today or anytime for plumbing problems small and large.