Prepping Your Water Heater for Colder Weather

Get Your Water Heater Ready for Winter

As fall starts to creep in and the weather grows cooler, it's important to remember to take some steps to prepare your home's water heater for the colder months ahead. By doing a few simple tasks now, you can help ensure that your water heater is running efficiently and will be ready when you need it most. Here are a few things you can do to prep your water heater:

Flush the water heater to remove sediment

Over time, sediment can build up in your water heater, causing it to work less efficiently and potentially shorten its lifespan. To flush the sediment out, turn off the power to the heater, open the drain valve at the bottom of your water heater, and let the water run out into a bucket or through a hose to a nearby drain.

Check the pressure and temperature valves

It's important to check the temperature and pressure release valve on your water heater regularly to make sure it is working properly. If the pressure is too high, you run the very dangerous risk of a tank explosion. Test the valve by flipping the manual lever open. If water begins to run out of the discharge pipe, the valve is working. If not, call your plumber immediately.

Adjust the water temperature

If your water heater's thermostat is set too high, it is wasting energy and costing you a pretty penny! However, if it is set too low, you may have other issues to deal with. The ideal temperature for most homes is around 120 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent scalding water while staying warm enough for comfort and to kill any lingering bacteria in your tank.

Inspect for erosion

If your water heater is more than a few years old, it is a good idea to inspect it for any signs of erosion. This can happen when the anode rod that protects the tank from corrosion is no longer able to do so. If this is the case, replace the anode rod. If you see any rust or other signs of damage on your water heater, call your plumber to have it inspected as soon as possible.

New Water Heater Installation

Has your water heater seen better days? Fall is the perfect time to replace! A new water heater will provide you with the water you need through the cold days ahead and beyond. Give the Mr. Rooter Plumbing team a call us to discuss your options and schedule an installation today!