As the cooler months approach, it’s essential to prepare your water heater to meet your household’s needs. While Texas temperatures may not drop to freezing, cooler weather can increase demand on your water heater as the desire for warm showers and baths rises. Prepping your water heater now can help avoid unexpected breakdowns, improve energy efficiency, and extend its lifespan.
In this guide, our Houston bathroom plumbing experts will walk you through some easy steps to prepare your water heater for the cooler season and highlight when it might be time to call a professional to lend a hand. Let’s get started!
Inspect the Water Heater for Visible Issues
Before diving into any maintenance, take the time to visually inspect your water heater. Look for signs of leaks, rust, or corrosion on the exterior of the tank and surrounding pipes. Even minor leaks can escalate into bigger issues if left untreated, and rust or corrosion can indicate that the tank is deteriorating. Additionally, if you hear unusual noises like knocking or rumbling, this could point to sediment buildup inside the tank, which can cause inefficiency and damage over time.
If you notice any of these issues, it’s best to contact a professional to evaluate the situation and perform necessary repairs.
Check the Temperature and Pressure Relief Valve (T&P Valve)
The temperature and pressure relief (T&P) valve is a crucial safety feature of your water heater, preventing it from overheating or building up excess pressure. It’s important to check that this valve is functioning properly.
To test the T&P valve, carefully lift the lever to allow a small amount of water to escape. If the water continues to flow after you release the lever or no water comes out at all, the valve may need replacement. Since a malfunctioning T&P valve can be a safety hazard, it’s best to call a professional if you suspect any issues.
Insulate the Water Heater and Pipes
While freezing temperatures aren’t a concern in Texas, insulating your water heater and pipes can still improve efficiency and reduce energy costs. By adding insulation, you help the water heater retain heat more effectively, reducing the energy required to keep the water warm. You can add an insulation blanket around the water heater tank to help it operate more efficiently. Additionally, wrapping your hot water pipes in foam insulation helps to reduce heat loss as water travels through your home.
Select the Optimal Temperature
Maintaining the correct water temperature is another important factor in preparing your water heater for cooler weather. Water that is set too high can lead to scalding risks and make the unit work harder than necessary, while water set too low can be insufficient for your household’s needs.
Ideally, you want to keep the temperature set around 120°F, which strikes the right balance between providing sufficient hot water and maintaining energy efficiency. If you’re unsure how to adjust your water heater’s temperature settings, reach out to Universal Home Experts. Our technicians in Houston, TX, will make sure that it’s configured correctly for your safety and comfort.
Have a Professional Flush the Tank
Over time, sediment and mineral deposits accumulate at the bottom of your water heater, especially if you live in an area with hard water. This buildup can lead to inefficiencies, cause the heater to overwork, and even result in overheating. Therefore, regularly flushing the tank not only improves performance but also helps extend the life of your unit. Our trained technicians can safely drain the tank, remove the sediment, and ensure that your water heater is running efficiently.
Schedule a Professional Tune-Up
The best way to guarantee that your water heater is fully prepared for the cooler season is to schedule an annual professional tune-up. A certified technician will inspect your unit thoroughly, address any existing issues, and perform preventive maintenance to keep it running efficiently.
Universal Home Experts offers comprehensive HVAC, plumbing, and electrical services in Houston, TX, including water heater inspections and tune-ups. Our experienced team can ensure that your water heater is in optimal working condition, so you don’t have to worry about unexpected breakdowns when cooler weather hits.
Stay Ready for Winter Weather!
Taking steps to prepare your water heater for cooler weather not only improves its efficiency but also prolongs its lifespan. By inspecting for visible issues, scheduling a professional tank flush, checking the T&P valve, insulating the tank and pipes, and setting the right temperature, you can keep your water heater functioning smoothly as demand increases.
When in doubt, rely on Universal Home Experts to handle the more complex tasks like flushing the tank and performing annual tune-ups. With our help, your water heater will be ready to serve your home throughout the cooler season. Contact us today to schedule water heater maintenance, a furnace tune-up, or an electrical inspection in Houston, and keep your home comfortable all year long!
