Should I Adjust My Water Heater for Winter?

As residents of North Carolina already know, we are fortunate not to have to deal with freezing temperatures most winters. However, that doesn’t mean that the cold weather this season won’t have an effect on your house. As temperatures lower outside, you may start to feel the temperature of your water drop as well. This prompts many homeowners to ask, should I be adjusting my water heater for winter? Luckily, our Charlotte Plumbers have your answers.

At Mr. Rooter of Charlotte, your water needs are our biggest concern. From clogged drains to trenchless sewer lines, we’re here to make sure your home or business stays comfortable year-round. Call our Charlotte plumbers today for service and read on to learn more about treating your water heater during winter months.

Why Is My Water So Cold?

Over the winter, you may increasingly find yourself waiting several minutes for you water to warm up. The issue is that as temperatures lower, the ground becomes colder, too. This can affect the pipes that pump water into your house. While Charlotte fortunately does not usually get cold enough for pipes to freeze, you may still notice that your water is increasingly cold. That’s because even as your heater is working to warm up the water in your home, the cold water being pumped in from outside is cooling it down again.

What Can I Do About It?

If your water is consistently cold in the wintertime, you may want to consider the simple but effective solution of turning up the temperature on your water heater’s thermostat. While most water heaters are pre-set to around 140 degrees, many manufacturers recommend setting the temperature to 120 degrees to save on energy and to prevent scalding-level heat. That said, in the wintertime, your average setting may simply not be hot enough to keep you and your family warm. Check your water heater’s manual before making adjustments, then consider turning it up anywhere between 5-10 degrees. Test the new temperature out at the faucet farthest away from the water heater. If this new temperature is not too hot, this is probably the setting you will want to keep your water heater at throughout the winter season.

What If That Doesn’t Work?

Although water heater issues can usually be solved by adjusting the heater’s thermostat, occasionally, there may be other problems at play, too. With a unit that is 8-years-old or older, your system is more likely to experience additional issues, which can also affect the temperature of your water. Luckily, there are several other remedies you can try if adjusting the thermostat does not work. If, after attempting all of these fixes yourself, your water temperature is still too cold, you should consider hiring a professional Charlotte plumber to take a look.

Quick fixes to improve your water temperature include:

• Purchasing a jacket for your water heater to shield it from temperatures in your house
• Installing installation around exposed pipes surrounding the unit to seal in heat
• Raising the temperature in the room where the unit is located
• Making sure all windows and doors are tightly closed to prevent drafts
• Flushing out the unit to get rid of debris and sediment

See What Mr. Rooter of Charlotte Can Do for You

At Mr. Rooter of Charlotte, we know water heaters. Follow the advice above, and if your water still isn’t heating up like you want it to, give our friendly and efficient Charlotte plumbers a call. Our technicians are highly skilled, and available for emergency service 24/7, 365 days a year. With over 45 years of experience in the industry and countless satisfied customers, you can always trust Mr. Rooter to keep your plumbing as perfect as possible.

Call today at (704) 842-9508 , or contact us online at your earliest convenience.