Winter is a wonderful time for snuggling up in a warm blanket and sipping hot cocoa. However, low temperatures can seriously affect your plumbing, especially your water heater. Linn Benton Plumbing, your go-to specialist in water heater repair in Corvallis, OR, shares the impact of cold weather on your unit and what you can do about it.
REDUCED EFFICIENCY
Hot water loses heat as it travels through the cold pipes, meaning it can take longer than usual for your unit to warm the water to your desired temperature. This also translates into more work for your water heater, resulting in higher energy bills and more wear and tear. To prevent your unit from prematurely failing, it pays to get preventive water heater services.
FROZEN PIPES
Cold temperatures can cause the pipes leading to and from the water heater to freeze. This can strain the water heater and cause overexpansion, leading to leaks, pipe bursts, and potential flooding in the surrounding area.
Ensure all exposed pipes are properly insulated to prevent a broken hot water heater. You may also consider turning off your unit if you’re going away for an extended period during winter to avoid costly damage.
REDUCED HOT WATER SUPPLY
The cold weather can prompt you to spend more time in warm, relaxing showers. As a result, you may run out of hot water quickly. You can adjust the thermostat on your hot water heater to resolve this problem; however, you should not set it too high to avoid scalding. The ideal temperature is around 120 degrees Fahrenheit.
Running out of hot water is the last thing you want to happen during the chilly season. Should anything goes wrong with your water heater, let the pros at Linn Benton Plumbing provide the best solutions to get it up and running. You can rely on us for water heater installation, repair, and maintenance. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.
