Make Sure you Have Hot Water this Winter

You need hot water more in the winter than any other time of year. The last thing you want is for your water heater to fail in the winter and leave you without hot water for your morning shower. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to protect your heater and help it run strong throughout the winter.

Consider the Heater’s Location

If your heater is in the main house in a closet or heated basement, then you won’t have to worry about it freezing. However, the cooler temperature in a garage or unheated crawlspace can leave water heaters struggling. The structure around the water heater can be warmed up marginally with better weather stripping and possibly insulation. It’s also wise to wrap the heater in a special insulating blanket to reduce heat loss and help if function better.

Line Distance is Important

The longer you have to wait for hot water to arrive at your shower, the further this fixture is from your water heater. As water travels through the lines, it loses heat and that forces your heater to work harder. In addition to wrapping the water heater itself, consider wrapping any long runs of hot water pipes to improve efficiency and prolong the life of your heater. Special wraps are available from your local home improvement store.

In addition to wrapping the pipes, a recirculating pump will also help you save money on hot water. A pump like the Grundfos Comfort System allows you to move cold water through the line, so you only receive water once it is hot and ready to enjoy. The average home saves more than 11,000 gallons of water a year with these systems. That’s enough water to fill a 14-foot by 30-foot swimming pool, so you should add one of these to your wish list.

Check the Dip Tube

Hot water heaters work by delivering cold water to the bottom of the tank through a dip tube, warming the water and allowing it to rise to the top for use. If the dip tube is cracked, then cold water will invade the hot water space at the top and leave you dealing with tepid showers. The good news is that the dip tube is replaceable in many models, so you may not actually need a new heater.

Don’t wait for your water heater to break down and leave you with cold water this winter. All About the Pipes Plumbing, Inc. can check your system for damaged dip tubes, defective thermostats and other common problems. With the right inspection and repairs, you can rest assured that you won’t run out of hot water this winter.