It may have taken a little while longer than winters’ past, but here in Indiana, the cold seasonal weather is finally upon us, and it doesn’t seem to be going anywhere anytime soon. This has many Hoosiers dashing to get their homes and businesses prepared for the winter ahead. Everything from storm drains and furnaces, to doors, windows, outdoor plumbing connections, and more, are all on the typical Hoosier’s seasonal To-Do list. But what many tend to leave off this important checklist is the water heater. During the peak of winter, you do not want to be left without hot water, especially if you have young children or elderly ones to cater to.
Continue reading to learn what you need to know about routine water heater maintenance, including how to ensure your hot water is set for the Indiana winter season.
Water Heater Inspections are Vital in Winter
Water heaters are known to break down the most during the coldest parts of the winter. A combination of the extreme climate and harsh elements can cause a long list of things to go wrong in a hot water heater, eventually causing it to perform poorly, or fail entirely. Common water heater repair calls in the wintertime include water heater bursts and water heater leaks. You see, your water heater has a cylindrical tank that stores heated water.
As you use your hot water in the home, the water heater depletes its reserves, and then pulls in cold water from outside to replenish. In the winter, it is colder, which means the water coming into your water heater is even colder than usual. As a result, the water heater must work harder to keep up with the hot water demand. If your water heater is old, between 7 and 8 years, it could have rusty parts that are not allowing it to perform as efficiently.
If your water heater is in an non-insulated area, like a garage, the air surrounding it makes the water even cooler, causing the unit to work longer to heat it on demand. Furthermore, factor in the surplus of water usage during the holidays when family and friends come to visit. All of these factors require a water heater to work continuously, which can lead to problems if it is not in tip-top shape before these winter factors become relevant.
Avoid Water Heater Breakdowns and Repairs
By having your water heater inspected and serviced prior to the harshest point of winter, you will avoid potential breakdowns, and costly damages and disasters, such as water leaks and floods. Start each season off with a full water heater inspection to check off on its efficiency, performance, and safety. For those with gas water heaters, you do not want to potentially face a water heater explosion accident, either. It is strongly encouraged to hire a licensed Indianapolis plumber for professional home plumbing inspections for water heaters. However, you can do a preliminary inspection on your own before you call a professional.
Here’s How to Inspect a Water Heater:
Look all around the outside of the water heater. Take note of any rusting, corrosion, or leaking. Also look for dents or ruptures of any kind.
Locate the installation date on the outside of the water heater tank. Take note of the age. If your unit is older than 7 or 8 years, it is in the zone for replacement.
Consider doing a water heater flush to drain and remove sediment inside the tank. Be sure to only do this if you have experience with this type of water heater service, or someone with experience who can assist you.
Tankless Water Heaters
If you have a tankless water heater, your seasonal To-Do checklist will look a little different, but you will still need to have your unit inspected routinely, especially prior to winter, to ensure it is ready to perform efficiently. Outdoor tankless water heaters will need to have proper insulation installed around the pipes.
Professional Water Heater Repair Services in Indianapolis, Indiana
Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 for free estimates, advice, and information regarding Indianapolis hot water heater service, anytime. Not only are we state-licensed master plumbers who specialize in water heater repair and service, we gladly provide recommendations and advice. Whether residential or commercial, we can provide all the water heater services you need. Contact us today for free advice on choosing a water heater, or to schedule service for your home or office!
