With the cold months around, you probably don’t want to skip that hot shower in the morning. However, the freezing temperatures can cause your water heater to work harder to meet your needs. To avoid ending up with a broken hot water heater, Linn Benton Plumbing lists some of the common problems to watch out for during winter:
1. FREEZING PIPES
It’s common for pipes to freeze during winter. You might not know that a pipe has frozen until you turn on the tap and no water comes out. If your hot water heater is connected to a frozen pipe, be sure to address it right away before it leaks or bursts. Insulate any exposed pipes to prevent freezing.
2. HIGH TEMPERATURES
Temperatures set higher than 120 degrees can cause electrodes to degrade and scales to build up, making water more acidic. Once this happens, the anode rod that protects your storage tank inside will deteriorate faster. If you notice any abnormalities with your unit like only producing warm water, contact our team right away for a prompt water heater repair services.
3. MALFUNCTIONING COMPONENTS
Check the thermostat and heating elements if you have an electric water heater, and pilot light if you have a gas water heater. These components can break down if it gets too cold, so be sure to enlist professional water heater services if you notice anything wrong with your unit.
4. NOT ENOUGH INSULATION
If you own an old tank-type water heater, chances are it doesn’t have insulation. This can be problematic during winter because the cold temperatures can cause significant heat loss as water travels through the pipes. It also exacerbates the wear and tear on your unit. Adding insulation to your water heater will mitigate these problems and keep your energy costs from skyrocketing.
Whether you need water heater installation or repair, the pros at Linn Benton Plumbing are always ready to lend a hand. Get in touch with us today to schedule an appointment.
