Keeping Your Hot Water Heater Running During the Winter

Nothing can be more frustrating than getting up on a cold, winter day only to realize that the hot water isn’t working and that you’re in for one very, very cold shower.  Fortunately there are a few tips you can follow to maintain your hot water heater during the cold months and throughout the year, helping to ensure that your hot water doesn’t fail you at the most inopportune moment.

Make Sure that Your Hot Water Supply is Sufficient

A hot water heater can be overtaxed by excessive use of hot water. In general, it is a good idea for your home’s hot water demands to be no greater than 75% of your hot water heater’s capacity . In other words, if your family uses 15 gallons of hot water in a cycle then your hot water heater should have a total capacity of 20 gallons.

Flush Your Water Regularly

Stagnant water in a hot water heater can create buildup that leads to problems such as noise and odd smells and colors in the water. It is a good idea to regularly flush out your hot water heater to keep it running optimally.  This can prevent sediment and other buildup issues that can interfere with the optimal running of your unit and lead to major issues in the long run. Remember to carefully research and review any shut down protocols associated with your heater and to consult with professionals if a flush out is outside your DIY skill set.

Have a Pro Check Your Water Heater Out

Sometimes problems with large household appliances like a water heater are beyond even the most skilled homeowner. If your hot water heater is presenting with problems that you cannot address on your own, bring in a professional to consult on your unit. Small problems like leaks, low water pressure, and more can indicate a larger problem which can quickly snowball. Don’t stand on pride, and bring in the experts to help ensure you have a nice warm shower throughout the winter months.

No one wants to get surprised by no hot water in the middle of February. By taking some proactive steps to maintain your hot water heater, you can help guarantee that you and your family are not left without during the coldest time of the year.