How to Maintain Your Water Heater During Northern Utah Winters

This winter has already become a brutal one for Northern Utah homeowners, so here are our tips to maintain your water heater during harsh seasons!

Everyone in Northern Utah understands just how intense the winter weather is in our area, and this winter is already seeing record-breaking snowfall that has several of our world-class ski resorts at around 200% of average. Not only is that a ton of snow for the Salt Lake Valley, but it also includes extremely cold temperatures that can wreck havoc on your residential plumbing system.

Issues like frozen pipes and pipe bursts are all-too-common this time of year, and water heater repairs are often necessary as well. Your vital home appliances will undoubtedly be subjected to all sorts of stress this winter as temperatures plunge into sub-zero for days if not weeks at a time.

The good news is that the Beehive Plumbing team has you covered when it comes to properly taking care of your water heater, and below are some tips to help you maintain your water heating system this winter!

Verify That Your Water Heater Is In A Proper Location

Northern Utah experiences drastically varying temperatures between winter and summer, which is why many homeowners need to move their water heaters during the winter for safety purposes.

You’re going to need to double-check that your water heater is in a warm place within your home, and ensure that the new place is also warm enough for this valuable appliance. Drafty basements, sheds and cold garages are usually bad places for a water heater, and our team will let you know when your water heater’s location may jeopardize your unit’s efficiency and longevity.

Be Sure To Drain Your Water Heater On A Yearly Basis

If you have a conventional tank water heater, you’re going to need to drain the storage tank at least on a yearly basis. This is largely because mineral and sediment deposits will always accumulate on the bottom of your tank, and this is especially a problem in Northern Utah.

Although water heater draining and cleaning can be a DIY project, it’s always best to leave this type of project in our team’s experienced hands.

Closely Examining Your Unit’s Anode Rod

Anode rods are comprised of magnesium or aluminum, and they are also often referred to as sacrificial rods. Anode rods are an incredibly important component of your water heating system, and this is because they protect the unit from rust.

As is easy to imagine, anode rods eventually become very rusty with time and need to be replaced.

Adjusting Your Unit’s Temperature Settings

When harsh winter weather comes rushing through Northern Utah and temperatures drop, your home’s water temperature will also drop. This essentially means that your home’s water heater needs to be set at an appropriate temperature to ensure the safety of your pipes and fixtures.

We generally recommend for water heaters to be set at 120 degrees during the heart of the winter, but it can also be a good idea to go slightly lower in temperature when you want to save on your energy bills.

Test Your Water Heater’s TPR Valve

The Temperature and Pressure Relief (TPR) valve on your water heater will automatically open when your needs unit to release excessive amounts of pressure. The troubling thing you need to know about this valve is that it can sometimes become damaged after long periods of usage, which is why your TPR valve must be tested on a regular basis to ensure its functionality.

Our Master Plumbers will be there for you when you need this type of testing done at your home, and we’ll let you know when it’s time for a new valve!

Insulating Your Hot Water Heater Tank

Tank insulation is also a good idea during the winter, and this type of insulation typically includes a foil/insulation blanket that wraps around your water heater.

Tank insulation can go a very long way towards making your unit more efficient, and it can also help you conserve heat.

Double-Checking Your Home’s Pipes

Most homes in Northern Utah have insulated pipes that help increase their efficiency, but pipe insulation needs to be double-checked every now and again to ensure its usefulness.

Pipe insulation is usually a straightforward process, and our team will usually include this type of insulation service when they help you insulate your water heater.

Reach Out To The Beehive Plumbing Experts To Learn More About Maintaining Your Water Heater This Winter!

Beehive Plumbing is a leader in water heater services throughout Northern Utah, and we’ll be there for your home as you prepare for this ongoing, harsh winter.