During the cold weather, we all enjoy using hot water. However, just as we humans have to work hard to generate our own body heat when it is cold, our water heaters have to do the same. So it is normal for them to experience issues during cold weather, especially when not given proper attention and care.

There are various problems that could go wrong with your water heater during the cold. The following are only some of the most common problems you may encounter:

Need for Insulation

Just like our bodies, the pipes and water heater also need to have their own form of insulation to protect them from the cold. Different types of water heaters will also require different types of insulation, so make sure to get the right one.

For electric water heaters, neoprene foam is often used and for gas heaters, a fiberglass wrap secured with aluminum foil does the track. There may be other forms of insulation that would work, but you must consult with a professional first to double-check.

Sediments and Minerals

This is a common problem even when the weather is not cold. There are often sediments and minerals at the bottom of the water heater which you need to get regularly cleaned out. However, this is especially a problem during the cold weather.

With sediments and minerals, they end up removing the heat that your water heater has produced. This makes your water heater work twice as hard. During the cold weather, your water heater already has to work hard, so it is not ideal that it works even harder, which could lead to damage.

Faulty Parts

It is always better to make sure that your water heater is prepared for the incoming cold weather. If you had any issues with it earlier in the year or even if you didn’t, it is better to have all of its parts checked. This will ensure that they are still working properly and do not need to be replaced.

When inspecting the parts of your water heater, it is ideal that you work with an expert plumbing services business. This will help make sure that any issues with your water heater will be properly identified and addressed.

Temperature Check

For electric water heaters, it is important that you never set the temperature at higher than 120 degrees. Doing so may cause scales to fall into the water and make it more acidic. This will result in the water eating away at the anode.

The anode is a metal rod inside your water heater that attracts sediments in the heater to protect its walls. When your anode is fully damaged, these sediments will target the walls next. This shows that it is important to protect the anode of your water heater for as long as you can.

Conclusion

During the cold winter days, we rely on our water heaters a little more than usual. However, it is important to remember that this also means our water heater has to work harder against the cold weather. To avoid having to bathe in cold water, make sure to take care of your water heater properly. These common issues we’ve listed are something you need to look out for to ensure your water heater does not break down.

If you need water heater repair and replacement in San Fernando Valley and surrounding areas, Candu Plumbing & Rooter will be glad to help you. We also offer other plumbing and drainage services. Let us take care of your HVAC and plumbing needs, and keep yourself warm this winter season.