The performance and lifespan of your water heater might be significantly impacted by cold weather if you live in Northern Virginia and are experiencing a harsh winter, such as this one. Many people in the DC Area didn’t give our mild winters much thought until recently with our freezing weather. Therefore, it’s critical to take precautions and do the necessary water heater maintenance and repairs.
Plumbing is often the last concern for the majority of households. Nonetheless, it’s essential to your home’s use and comfort. The weather has a big influence on your plumbing, and in the winter, freezing temperatures can cause substantial problems very rapidly.
Your pipes may freeze in cold weather, leading to overexpansion. This causes pipes to burst and makes your water heater work harder than it should. In certain cases, it leads to little leakage that, if left unchecked, could eventually cause significant harm.
5 Signs Your Water Heater is Damaged
An important part of quickly repairing damages is identifying them. Five signs that your water heater needs repairs or maintenance include:
- Water Leak: The easiest sign to detect that something is amiss is a leak. Cold weather can actually cause the plumbing in and around your water heater to expand and contract. With older units, this can result in cracks, which will cause water to leak into your home, resulting in significant structural damage.
- High Energy Bills: As mentioned above, cold weather can cause water heaters to work even harder, especially if they are located in an unheated area. If you notice that your energy bill is spiking more than usual during the winter months, look to your water heater as the possible culprit.
- Rust: Rust can signal either the existence of a leak, or the fact that your water heater is old. In some instances, rust can even transfer into the water itself, causing discolored water to flow from your taps and sinks.
- Noisy Operation: Water heaters should work quietly and efficiently. If you notice that yours is making noises including banging and knocking during operation, there may be a buildup of sediment causing the problem.
- Fluctuating Temperatures: Is your home running out of hot water quickly? Is it hardly heating water at all? Inefficient water heating is always a sign that your water heater is in need of repair or, at the very least, maintenance.
In the event that you need a water heater replacement, repair, or you simply want our trained plumbers to inspect your water heater, be sure to give Liberty Plumbing a call.
How Can Water Heater Damage Be Prevented in Cold Weather?
Preventative maintenance is the key to keeping your water heater safe throughout the winter. Performing routine maintenance is one way to achieve this. A general examination, the repair of outdated or broken components, and, in certain cases, heater flushing are all important elements of water heater maintenance.
Be sure to contact Liberty Plumbing if your water heater breaks down. We are the trustworthy plumbers with the know-how to do the job right.
Prevent Issues with Your Water Heater with Help from Liberty Plumbing
If you are experiencing water heater issues, Liberty Plumbing can help. Give us a call, and we’ll diagnose what is happening. With over 20 years of experience in the plumbing industry, you can trust our professionals to deliver solution that is best for your home!
When it comes to water heaters, quick action from professionals such as Liberty Plumbing can mitigate damage and prevent further complications. Our experienced team is ready to respond, assess the situation, and provide the necessary plumbing repairs in Northern Virginia to restore your home’s plumbing system to optimal working condition. Contact us today!