Check Your Water Heater This Winter

With the end of the year in sight, it’s time to think about winterizing your home. That means wrapping exposed pipes with insulation to prevent them from bursting and a dozen other things. However, it also means it’s time to check your water heater. Use these tips to help ensure that your water heater is protected and works perfectly through the winter.

1. Schedule your annual maintenance.

First, make sure that you have a maintenance plan with a trusted plumbing company. You should have two inspections – one in the spring and one in the late fall. These are the keys to catching issues when they’re small before they become major problems. Maintenance should include checking your anode rod and pressure relief valve, as well as flushing the water heater to remove sediment that can build up within the tank.

2. Check your thermostat.

Some people believe that they need to turn up the temperature on their water heaters when winter rolls around. The truth is that your water heater should be able to maintain a stable internal temperature even when it’s cold, thanks to advanced insulation and modern design. Don’t turn your thermostat up – keep it around 120 degrees F. This will help prevent scalds, particularly if you have children in the home.

3. Add insulation around the water heater.

If you’ve noticed that your water heater doesn’t maintain its temperature during the winter, it might be time to consider adding some insulation. An insulated sleeve around the tank can help dramatically lower your energy use and ensure that you always have plenty of hot water available.

4. If your water heater is aging, consider a replacement.

The average water heater only lasts between 10 and 12 years. If yours is approaching that age, now might be the best time to replace it before the cold weather sets in. A modern water heater can offer improved performance and is better able to maintain an internal water temperature even in cold weather. 

5. Check the pipes running into and out of the water heater.

While your water heater might be insulated, that doesn’t mean your water pipes are. Add a layer of insulation around your water pipes to help prevent them from freezing and bursting during the extreme cold of deep winter.

Whether you don’t have time to take care of your water heater or don’t feel up to the challenge, you can turn to a trusted plumbing company for help. Contact Elk Grove Village Sewer & Plumbing to schedule your winter maintenance or to discuss installing a new water heater.