Is Your Water Heater Ready for Winter? Tips and Maintenance from Seattle Plumbers

html

Winter’s Chill: How Cold Weather Affects Your Water Heater

During winter, your water heater works overtime. Colder groundwater temperatures mean it takes more energy to heat water to your desired setting. We naturally take longer, hotter showers and use more hot water for tasks like washing dishes when it’s cold outside, further increasing demand.

The added strain can expose existing weaknesses in your system, leading to leaks, reduced efficiency, or even complete failure. Seattle’s damp and cold winters make proactive maintenance essential to prevent breakdowns.

Proactive Steps: Essential Winter Water Heater Maintenance

Here’s what you can do to protect your water heater this winter:

• Insulate Pipes: Insulating exposed pipes, especially those in unheated areas like attics, crawl spaces, and basements, is crucial to prevent freezing and bursting. Use foam pipe sleeves for easy installation.
• Check for Leaks and Corrosion: Regularly inspect your water heater tank and connections for any signs of leaks or corrosion. Address these issues promptly to prevent further damage.
• Optimal Water Temperature: Set your water heater thermostat to 120°F. This temperature balances comfort, energy efficiency, and safety, reducing the risk of scalding.
• Prevent Freezing: During severe cold temperatures allow one indoor faucet to slowly drip cold water. Select the faucet that is the farthest from your front door. Do not leave water running in unoccupied areas. Set your thermostat no lower than 55 degrees (day or night and even if you are away from your house).
• Drain the Tank (Flush): Sediment buildup reduces efficiency and can damage your water heater. Flushing the tank annually removes this sediment, improving performance and extending the life of your unit. Here’s a simplified overview:
  1. Turn off the power (gas or electricity) to the water heater.
  2. Turn off the cold water supply valve.
  3. Attach a garden hose to the drain valve (usually near the bottom of the tank).
  4. Run the hose to a floor drain or outside.
  5. Open the drain valve and a hot water faucet somewhere in the house (this helps with venting).
  6. Let the tank drain completely.
  7. Briefly turn the cold water supply back on to flush out any remaining sediment.
  8. Close the drain valve, remove the hose, turn the cold water supply back on, and then turn the power back on.

Save Money & Stay Warm: Winter Water Heater Efficiency

Saving energy is good for your wallet and the environment. Here are some tips:

• Heat Pump Water Heaters (HPWHs): Consider upgrading to a heat pump water heater. These are significantly more energy-efficient than traditional electric models, potentially saving you money on your Seattle City Light bill. They work by pulling heat from the surrounding air, even in cooler temperatures, to heat the water.
• Lowering the Temperature: Reinforcing the 120°F recommendation from the U.S. Department of Energy, emphasizing the energy savings.
• Water Heater Blanket: Wrapping your water heater tank with an insulating blanket can significantly reduce heat loss, especially in older models.
• Low-Flow Fixtures: Using low-flow showerheads and faucets can reduce overall hot water consumption.

Seattle Solutions: Tailoring Your Approach to the Pacific Northwest Climate

Seattle’s climate presents unique challenges:

• Dampness and Corrosion: Seattle’s damp climate can accelerate corrosion. Pay close attention to any signs of rust or leaks.
• Older Homes: Many Seattle homes have older plumbing systems. If your home is older, consider a professional inspection to assess the overall condition of your pipes and water heater.
• Anode Rod Check: Seattle’s water can be hard on water heaters. Checking and replacing the anode rod (if necessary) can protect your tank from corrosion. The anode rod is a sacrificial metal rod inside the tank that corrodes instead of the tank itself.
• Know the Location of Your Main Water Shutoff Valve: Find the location of the main water shut-off valve.

Your Seattle Winter Water Heater Checklist

Here’s a handy checklist to ensure you’re prepared:

• Insulation: Wrap the water heater with an insulation blanket to minimize heat loss.
• Draining: Flush the water heater to remove sediment.
• Pipes: Insulate all exposed water pipes.
• Temperature: Set the thermostat to 120°F.
• Emergency Plan: Know the location of the main water shut-off valve.

Key Takeaways

Winter water heater maintenance is essential for Seattle homeowners. Taking proactive steps will not only save you money on energy bills but also ensure a reliable supply of hot water and prevent unexpected breakdowns. Don’t wait for a cold-water crisis. Taking these steps now will ensure your water heater is ready for whatever a Seattle winter throws its way.

We encourage you to contact a qualified Seattle plumber for a comprehensive water heater inspection. If you are in need of water heater repair, Contact Falcon Plumbing to schedule your appointment today. They’re ready to help, and there’s no better expert on plumbing issues in the Seattle area. You can also explore Seattle City Light’s energy efficiency programs for potential rebates and incentives.

References:

1. US Water Heating Solutions. (2024). How to Save on Water Heater Energy Costs This Winter. Retrieved from https://www.uswhpro.com/how-to-save-on-water-heater-energy-costs-this-winter
2. Seattle Public Utilities. (2024). You and Your Utilities: Preparing for Winter in Seattle. Retrieved from https://atyourservice.seattle.gov/2024/01/09/you-and-your-utilities-preparing-for-winter-in-seattle/
3. Seattle City Light. (2023). Why a Heat Pump Water Heater Works for Your Home. Retrieved from https://powerlines.seattle.gov/2023/10/06/why-a-heat-pump-water-heater-works-for-your-home/
4. U.S. Department of Energy. (2024). Estimating Costs and Efficiency of Storage, Demand, and Heat Pump Water Heaters. Retrieved from https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/estimating-costs-and-efficiency-storage-demand-and-heat-pump-water-heaters
5. Seattle.gov. (2024). Frozen Pipes. Retrieved from https://www.seattle.gov/utilities/your-services/water/frozen-pipes
6. OpenPR. (2024). Hot Water on Demand: Water Heater Maintenance Tips for Cold. Retrieved from https://www.openpr.com/news/3840463/hot-water-on-demand-water-heater-maintenance-tips-for-cold
7. Heater Guides. (2024). How to Winterize Water Heater. Retrieved from https://heaterguides.com/how-to-winterize-water-heter/
8. Laury Heating. (2024). How to Improve Hot Water Heater Efficiency. Retrieved from https://lauryheating.com/uncategorized/how-to-improve-hot-water-heater-efficiency/
9. Seattle.gov. (2024). Heating and Cooling Your Home. Retrieved from https://www.seattle.gov/city-light/residential-services/home-energy-solutions/heating-and-cooling-your-home