As temperatures drop, your water heater works harder than ever to provide warm water for your home. Colder incoming water, increased demand, and the effects of extreme temperatures can strain your system, potentially leading to breakdowns or inefficiencies. A properly functioning water heater isn’t just about comfort—it’s essential for hygiene, cooking, and even preventing frozen pipes. 

The average family of 4 uses roughly 60 gallons of hot water a day. You don’t want to be left stranded in your Virginia Beach home without it. Understanding how extreme cold affects your water heater can help you take proactive steps to keep it running smoothly all winter long.

Common Winter Water Heater Problems

During extreme cold, your water heater may face several issues, including:

• Water Taking Too Long to Heat: Colder groundwater means your water heater has to work harder to bring water up to temperature. Your hot water heater also accounts for roughly 25% of your home’s energy usage, so if it continues to struggle to stay heated, it could cause costly bills. 
• Water Not Getting Hot Enough: If your water heater is struggling to meet demand, it may not be heating water as effectively. 
• Frozen Inlet or Outlet Pipes: Exposed or uninsulated pipes leading to and from your water heater can freeze, blocking water flow and potentially causing damage.
• Strange Noises: Cold weather can cause sediment buildup in the tank to harden, leading to popping or rumbling sounds as the metal expands and contracts.

Why Extreme Cold Causes These Issues

Understanding the root causes of winter water heater problems can help you take action before an issue arises. Here’s why your water heater struggles in the cold:

• Colder Groundwater Temperature: The water entering your heater is significantly colder, requiring more energy and time to heat.
• Increased Hot Water Usage: Households tend to use more hot water during winter for showers, handwashing, and heating needs, placing extra demand on the system.
• Expansion and Contraction of Metal: Extreme temperatures cause the metal components of your water heater to expand and contract, which can lead to small cracks or inefficiencies.
• Frozen or Burst Connections: If water freezes inside pipes connected to your water heater, it can cause pressure buildup and pipe bursts, leading to costly repairs.

What You Can Do to Prevent Issues

To keep your water heater running efficiently and prevent winter-related damage, consider these preventative steps:

• Insulate Pipes: Use pipe insulation or heat tape to protect water lines leading to and from your heater, reducing the risk of freezing.
• Flush the Tank: Sediment buildup can make your heater less efficient. Flushing the tank before winter removes debris and improves heating performance.
• Set a Consistent Thermostat Temperature: Keeping your water heater’s thermostat at a steady 120-140°F can prevent inefficiencies caused by temperature fluctuations.
• Consider Upgrades: A tankless water heater can improve efficiency and ensure you have hot water when you need it, even in the coldest months. These units typically last up to 20 years in your home when a standard water heater lasts only about 10-15.

Additional Maintenance Tips for Winter

In addition to the preventative measures above, performing routine maintenance can help extend the life of your water heater and ensure it runs optimally:

• Check the Anode Rod: The anode rod helps prevent corrosion inside your water heater. Inspecting and replacing it when needed can prolong your unit’s lifespan.
• Test the Pressure Relief Valve: This valve is a critical safety feature that prevents excessive pressure buildup. Open it slightly to ensure it releases water and replace it if it's faulty.
• Drain the Tank Partially: Draining a few gallons from the tank every few months can help remove sediment before it builds up excessively.
• Schedule Annual Maintenance: Having a professional inspect and service your water heater annually can catch minor issues before they become costly repairs.

When to Call a Professional

While some winter water heater issues can be managed with DIY solutions, there are times when professional assistance is necessary:

• If your water heater stops producing hot water completely
• If you notice leaks or signs of frozen pipes
• If your system is making unusual noises that don’t resolve after flushing the tank
• If your water heater is old and struggling to keep up with demand, it may be time for a replacement

A properly functioning water heater is crucial during winter, and taking steps to protect it from extreme cold can prevent unexpected breakdowns. If you’re experiencing water heater problems or want to prepare your system for the winter months, Blessings Plumbing and Heating is here to help. Our VA Beach plumbers specialize in plumbing repiping services, water heater maintenance, and emergency repairs to keep your home running smoothly. Contact us today to schedule a professional inspection or service appointment!