Preparing Your Water Heater for Winter [2024]

Even though it happens every year, winter often seems to arrive quickly and unexpectedly. Don’t get taken by surprise this year, and make sure your home and appliances are ready for the cold and frost. Freezing weather can cause a lot of problems for your water heater, especially if you’re unprepared, including frozen pipes, decreased efficiency, and breakdowns.

You don’t want to find yourself Googling “plumbers near me” in an emergency. You can save yourself from having to call an emergency plumber by performing some specific tasks. To ensure you don’t get stuck taking cold showers all winter long, here are some simple steps you can take to ensure your water heater provides hot, refreshing water all winter long.

Perform Regular Maintenance

In modern homes, water heaters perform an essential function. They heat the water you use every day, and in the winter, having hot water becomes all the more important. Regular maintenance can effectively prevent many issues, and if you address problems early, it is less likely you’ll experience severe problems. You’ll also extend the life of your water heater. 

Do a Visual Inspection

You should visually inspect your water heater at least once a year to check for signs something may be amiss. If there is visible corrosion on the tank, this could also be a sign of internal corrosion. Checking for leaks is also extremely important, as even a small crack can lead to significant damage. 

Signs To Look Out For 

If your water heater isn’t functioning as well as it could be, there will be signs. Performance problems to look out for include inconsistent water temperature, strange noises, or reduced hot water supply. If you notice that the water temperature is changing while you are showering, going from hot to cold and back again, this could be a sign that the thermostat or heating element is failing.

Similarly, if you notice you have less hot water than normal, this could also indicate your water heater needs to be serviced or replaced. Additionally, look out for strange noises, such as rumbling or popping, which could indicate sediment has built up inside the tank. 

Flush Your Water Heater’s Tank

Draining and flushing your water heater is an important aspect of regular maintenance. This process removes sediment buildup, which can worsen performance.

Living somewhere with hard water is especially important, as hard water contains more minerals and solids that contribute to sediment buildup. If you’re not comfortable performing this task yourself, a qualified professional can easily perform this service during a maintenance visit. 

Check Anode Rods

Anode rods are long, thin tubes, usually made of aluminum or magnesium with a steel core. They hang down from the top of the water heater and perform an essential function.

Often called “sacrificial” anode rods, they extend the life of the water heater by “sacrificing” themselves to protect the metal of the water heater tank. While the metal of the anode rod attracts mineral buildup and corrodes, the exposed metal of the tank remains undamaged. 

Most anode rods need to be replaced every 2 to 4 years, so it is important to inspect them at least yearly. If the rod is visibly corroded, it’s time for a new one. If the rods are not replaced, your water heater has a significantly shortened life span (8 to 12 years instead of 20 plus), and in some cases, not replacing them can void the appliance’s warranty. 

Insulation is Key

Proper insulation can significantly reduce heat loss and improve your water heater’s performance. Whether you’re insulating the pipes or the hot water heater itself, insulation can be the key to keeping your water heater from going out due to freezing pipes. 

Take Location Into Consideration

The location of your water heater plays a role in how much insulation is necessary in the winter. If you live in a fairly warm climate, it shouldn’t be a big deal if your water heater is in an uninsulated garage, basement, attic, or outside. However, if you live in a colder climate, consider ensuring your water heater is in a heated part of your house or apartment. 

Insulating Pipes and Tank

You can insulate two parts of your water heater: the pipes where water travels to and from your heater and the tank itself. While most modern heaters are already insulated to help mitigate heat loss, the pipes that carry the water to and from the heater often are not, and significant heat loss can occur due to cold air around these pipes.

In a worst-case scenario, if the water freezes in your pipes, they can burst and cause catastrophic flooding. To decrease the chance of heat loss, you can purchase self-adhesive foam pipe insulation that you can cut to size and wrap around your pipes. 

If your water heater tank isn’t insulated or is located in an uninsulated area of your home, it might need some extra help. You can purchase an insulation blanket and hold it in place with foil tape around the tank. 

Adjust the Temperature

A simple step you can take to ensure your water heater continues to perform optimally during the winter is to increase the temperature setting. As it gets colder, your normal temperature setting might not be enough to keep up. Most professionals recommend a temperature of 120 degrees Fahrenheit to provide optimal performance while also saving on energy costs.

You can adjust the temperature five to ten degrees higher in the winter to help you cope with colder temperatures. If you take this step, you must remember to lower the temperature once it begins to warm up again. 

Schedule Service with Rochester Plumbing & Heating

As winter approaches, it’s important to ensure your water heater is ready to keep your home warm and comfortable. Rochester Plumbing & Heating offers expert services to help prepare your water heater for the colder weather, ensuring optimal performance and energy efficiency. Regular maintenance can also extend the life of your system and prevent unexpected breakdowns.

Contact Rochester Plumbing and Heating today to schedule your water heater check-up and enjoy peace of mind all winter long.