Water heater repairs are unfortunately common in northern Utah during the winter months!
We all use hot water on a daily basis to get through our regular routines, but a lot of northern Utah homeowners don’t think about the complexities of their water heating systems—until they’re experiencing a problem.
Water heater repairs are all-too-common throughout our local area during the winter, and it’s crucial to act quickly when you recognize any red flag warning signs at your home or business.
Although water heaters can malfunction at any time of the year, there are certain issues that are directly related to cold weather. Many of these dilemmas can potentially lead to further plumbing problems, and below are some of the most common water heater problems that occur during the winter!
Common Water Heater Repairs That Happen During The Winter
There are many different issues that can happen to water heaters when the weather gets frigid like this time of year, so here are some of the cold-weather water heater repairs that you should know about:
Mineral & Sediment Buildup
This is by far one of the most common causes for water heater repairs in northern Utah, and this is partly due to our municipal water sources containing hard water minerals like calcium and magnesium. Although a water softener installation can help prevent these types of issues, we understand how homes without water softeners can be particularly prone to water heater problems during the heart of the winter season.
Although sediment buildup is a year-round dilemma in northern Utah, it’s particularly troublesome in the wintertime. When your water heater has an excess amount of sediment inside the tank, it can significantly reduce the unit’s overall efficiency and water temperature readings. This subsequently can lead to abnormally high energy bills, as well as all sorts of different malfunctions.
This is why it’s so crucial to invest in seasonal tank flushes at least once a year, and it’s important to note that sediment buildup is often directly correlated to anode rod deterioration. However, sediment buildup can also detrimentally impact many parts of your water heater!
Water Heater Temperature Issues
It’s never comfortable to experience a cold shower during the wintertime, but inconsistent hot water is unfortunately a common issue that occurs throughout northern Utah households this time of year. Some of the most common causes of water heater temperature issues include:
- Mineral buildup
- Water heater leaks
- Damaged unit components
- Pressure valve problems
In some cases, it may be necessary to replace any damaged parts—or invest in a water heater replacement. It’s also important to be on the lookout for tank temperatures as well, because your unit is never supposed to go over 120ºF.
There are many different solutions to water heater temperature dilemmas, including tech-savvy investments like mixing valve or recirculation pump installations. But no matter exactly is causing your water heater’s temperature mishaps, our Master Plumbers have you covered!
Pipe Leaks
There are many reasons why your water heater’s pipes may be leaking, including:
- Pipe freezes: Frozen pipes are a common issue during the winter months, and this can often lead to leaks. Properly insulating your property’s pipes and water heater unit is a serious prerequisite for living in northern Utah, and our specialists can help ensure that your home is thoroughly prepared during your repair appointments.
- Water heater age: Pipes and appliances simply wear down over long periods of time. This applies to every pipe within your plumbing system, because eventually you’ll need replacements.
- Improper installation or repairs: The unfortunate truth about the plumbing industry is that mistakes can happen, and our team has had to re-do a different plumbing company’s water heater work countless times over the past 20+ years. Even the tiniest of errors can lead to significant repairs later in the future, which is why it’s crucial to put your trust in the Beehive team when you’re on the lookout for bona fide water heater specialists!
- Loose drain valves: Loose unit components and parts can also lead to leaks. Sometimes the part will simply need to be re-tightened, whereas other scenarios will require a component replacement.
- Improper tank pressure: When your water heater is experiencing a pressure issue, it can be very alarming. In this scenario, you may need to replace your unit’s pressure relief valve to get it back to a normal functionality.
Not Enough Insulation
Just like the rest of your plumbing system’s pipes, you’re also going to need to properly insulate your water heater from our area’s extreme winter weather.
Water heater insulation goes a very long way to ensure the unit’s overall efficiency, and it can also reduce your hot water waiting times—as well as your utility bills. Many electric water heaters will use a neoprene foam insulation, whereas gas water heaters will often require a fiberglass wrapping.
Unusual Water Heater Noises
Although it’s perfectly normal to hear some operational sounds coming from your water heater, you shouldn’t be hearing any loud banging or clanking sounds on a consistent basis. Any unusual noises are a serious cause for concern, and will require an immediate call to our water heater specialists.
Sediment buildup is one of the most common causes of these strange sounds, but you should also be on the lookout for any water discoloration as well. The good news is that thoroughly flushing out your water heater and double-checking the system’s components for corrosion can often get this issue fully resolved!
Faulty Components & Parts
Many water heater dilemmas are sourced back to malfunctioning parts and components, and extreme winter weather can ultimately be the root cause of these malfunctions.
If you have a gas unit, keep a particularly close eye on your pilot control valve and thermocouple during the winter. If you have an electric unit, you’ll want to be cautious with your heating elements and thermostat when temperatures plummet.
Contact Beehive Plumbing To Get Your Water Heater Through This Harsh Winter!
Winter may have come a little late this year, but it’s now in full force and wreaking havoc throughout the northern Utah region. This is why it’s becoming increasingly important for home and business owners to ensure the functionality of their water heaters, and the Beehive team is here when you need any water heater repairs.
Reach out to us online or call us directly at 801-849-3846 to schedule your next water heater appointment today!
