Baby, it’s cold outside—and it’s not getting warmer anytime soon. If you’re a homeowner in Minnesota, you know that our winters can get bitterly cold, and those cold temperatures can take a toll on our bodies, our vehicles and, yes, even our homes. But can frigid temperatures cause water heater damage in Grand Rapids, MN? Let’s find out.
Cold weather and your water heater
Frigid temperatures can take a toll on all aspects of your plumbing, including your water heater. First, as temperatures fluctuate, the metal on your water heater can expand and contract. Over time, this constant expanding and contracting can cause the metal to become damaged, warped and, eventually, leak. Leaks in your water heater not only affect the water supply in your home, but the water can cause damage to floors, walls and other belongings.
Cold weather can affect your water heater in other, less extreme ways as well. During the winter months, your water heater has to work extra hard to get your water warm and keep it warm. This is especially true of older, tank-style water heaters. If your pipes and water heater are not insulated, the water begins to lose heat the moment it exits the tank. This means that your water heater is working twice as hard to deliver water that is not as warm, increasing your energy bill and reducing the life of your water heater.
How to care for your water heater in the winter
Now that we understand how frigid temperatures can affect your water heater, let’s discuss what can be done about it:
- Frequent inspections: When you’re down in your basement, give your water heater a good look over. You should do this all year round, but in the winter, it is particularly important. Catching signs of damage early can help prevent the expense, annoyance and potential damage caused by a broken water heater. When inspecting your water heater, check for signs of cracks in the metal or any bends or bumps.
- Be aware of your hot water supply: Problems with your hot water supply can be early signs of a serious issue. If you notice that your water is taking a long time to heat up, or if you run out of hot water faster than usual, it’s time to call in a professional.
- Insulate: Finally, if you have an older water tank, properly insulating your tank and water pipes can make a huge difference. Insulation will not only help protect your water heater, but it can reduce your energy costs and improve your hot water supply.
Don’t wait for something to go wrong with your water heater this winter. Stay on top of your water heater maintenance all year round with a little help from Rapids Plumbing & Heating Inc. We offer professional plumbing maintenance, leak checks and 24/7 emergency repairs for water heater damage in Grand Rapids, MN. To learn more about our services, or to schedule your maintenance check, contact us today. We look forward to serving you soon.