Winter brings more than just cozy evenings by the fire and festive gatherings — it also brings a long list of to-dos for homeowners. As the temperatures drop, we find ourselves sealing windows, stocking up on supplies, and making sure our homes are ready for the cold months ahead. One often-overlooked part of these preparations is your water heater. Like the rest of your home, your water heater needs some attention to stay in good shape during the winter. The last thing anyone wants is to wake up to a freezing cold shower in the middle of a chilly morning.
We’ll go over how to prepare your water heater for winter with five essential tips. We’ll also touch on common winter water heater problems and how addressing them early can save you time, money, and stress.
Why Winter Is Tough on Water Heaters
The colder it gets outside, the harder your water heater has to work. Your system is not only combating cooler water temperatures coming into the unit but also keeping your home supplied with enough hot water for showers, dishes, and laundry. This extra strain can lead to winter water heater problems like poor performance, higher energy bills, or even a total breakdown.
But don’t worry — learning how to prepare your water heater for winter is easier than you might think. With a little effort now, you can avoid disruptions during the season when you rely on your water heater the most.
5 Tips for Prepping Your Water Heater for Winter
Just like our cars need winterizing, prepping your water heater for winter is essential to avoid inconvenient and costly problems during the season.
1. Inspect and Flush the Tank
Sediment builds up in storage tank heaters over time, and if it’s not addressed, it can affect the water heater’s efficiency. Winter is the perfect time to flush the tank to remove this buildup and improve its performance. If you have never performed a water heater flush, it’s best to consult the professionals at Arlinghaus before starting this DIY project.
Here’s how you can do it:
- Turn off the water supply and the power (or gas supply) to your water heater.
- Attach a hose to the drain valve at the bottom of the tank and direct the other end to a safe location, like a floor drain.
- Open the valve and let the remaining water flow out, carrying sediment with it.
This simple step can prevent the tank from overheating or breaking down during the winter months. If you’re uncertain about handling it on your own or want to make sure the job is done correctly, consulting a professional is always a wise choice.
2. Insulate Your System
Proper insulation is key to protecting your water heater and pipes when the temperatures drop. Adding insulation to your hot water pipes can help keep heat from escaping, which means your water heater doesn’t have to work as hard. Insulating the tank (for storage tank heaters) or the exterior of tankless hot water heaters can also improve efficiency.
Quick Tip: Use pre-slit foam pipe sleeves to insulate pipes, and consider a water heater insulation blanket for the tank. This step will help maintain water temperature and prevent freezing during the coldest winter nights.
3. Check the Pressure Relief Valve
The pressure relief valve is a small but mighty component of your water heater. It’s designed to release excess pressure if the tank overheats or builds up too much steam. Testing this valve before winter is a smart move to avoid leaks or other issues during the season.
How to Test It:
- Place a bucket under the valve and lift the lever.
- If water flows out and stops when you lower the lever, the valve is working fine.
- If not, it’s time to replace it.
4. Lower the Water Temperature
Most water heaters are set to a default hot water temperature of 140°F, but lowering it to 120°F can save energy and prevent scalding. This adjustment reduces the strain on your system during the winter months and helps cut down on energy costs.
5. Schedule a Professional Maintenance Check
If you want peace of mind heading into winter, schedule a professional maintenance check. A licensed Arlinghaus plumbing technician can inspect every part of your system, from the gas burner or pilot light on gas water heaters to the electrical connections on electric heaters. They’ll also check for leaks, clean components, and identify any potential issues before they turn into major winter water heater problems.
Arlinghaus offers expert water heater maintenance in Erlanger, KY, Cincinnati, OH, and the surrounding areas. Professional maintenance is the best way to make sure your water heater is winter-ready.
Common Winter Water Heater Problems
Even with preparation, some issues can sneak up on you during the winter months. Here are a few common winter water heater problems and how to handle them:
Frozen Pipes
When hot water pipes freeze, it can block the flow of water and even lead to burst pipes. Adding insulation or keeping a slight trickle of water running during extreme cold can help.
Inconsistent Water Temperatures
If you notice fluctuating temperatures, sediment buildup or a faulty thermostat could be to blame. Regular maintenance can help address these issues before they worsen.
Increased Energy Bills
Colder weather can cause your system to use more fuel or electricity. Insulating your system and checking for efficiency issues can reduce these costs.
Benefits of Prepping Your Water Heater for Winter
Taking the time to prepare your system now can lead to:
- Fewer breakdowns and emergency repairs.
- Lower energy bills thanks to improved efficiency.
- Reliable access to hot water throughout the winter.
The investment in preparation pays off in peace of mind — and warm showers on frosty mornings.
Don’t Let Winter Catch You Off Guard
Prepping your water heater for winter might not be the most glamorous task, but it’s one of the most important things you can do to keep your home running smoothly through the season. A little bit of maintenance can go a long way in preventing winter water heater problems, keeping your energy costs down, and avoiding icy surprises when you turn on the shower.
If you’d like some help making sure your water heater is ready for the cold months, Arlinghaus is here for you. As a 24-hour plumber in Cincinnati, we’re here to provide emergency support. Contact us today to schedule your service! We’re happy to help you stay warm and worry-free this winter.
We are proud to serve homeowners across Erlanger, KY, Cincinnati, OH, and the surrounding areas. Our service area spans Greater Cincinnati, Northern Kentucky, and Southeast Indiana.