With winter in full swing, homeowners in seasonal climates must prepare their properties for cold days and even colder nights. Beyond testing your heating system to ensure every room in your house is comfortable, it’s also important to think about your water heater and whether it’s prepared to provide hot water when you need it most. If you’re wondering why plumbing contractors stress the importance of protecting your water heater this time of year, here’s some helpful information to review. 

Understanding the Impact of Winter on Water Heaters

What Issues Are Common This Time of Year?

When outdoor temperatures drop below freezing, cold air can wreak havoc on your plumbing system. This can result in freezing pipes. Since water expands as it turns to ice, this situation often leads to burst pipes.

As a result, your water heater could malfunction, leak, or have to work overtime to provide hot water. If the pipes are damaged, your water heater may fail to operate altogether, or you’ll notice a serious spike in energy bills, groaning sounds when in use, or water temperature fluctuations throughout the season. 

What’s the Best Way to Protect Your Water Heater From Seasonal Problems?

To reduce the risk of water heater issues, hire a plumbing contractor to inspect your system as a whole as well as your water heater. By working with an experienced professional, you’ll be able to identify problem areas, clean your tank, and fix any minor issues before they cause major breakdowns on a cold winter night.

In addition to these annual inspections, talk to your plumbing team about pipe insulation. By insulating pipes, the heat pump, and the water tank itself, you can rest easy knowing every component is protected from harsh temperatures and dependable in all kinds of weather. 

Osterwisch Company is a family-owned business that has been serving residents and commercial business owners throughout the Tri-State area since 1946. If you’re looking for a full-service mechanical contracting operation that staffs experienced technicians for plumbing, electrical, and HVAC needs, call today at (513) 791-3282 to schedule an appointment. For more information on this dedicated team and their commitment to providing friendly customer service, whether you need a water heater inspection or emergency furnace repairs, visit their website.