9 Common Hot Water Heater Problems in Cold Weather

Hot water is a necessity during the winter months. There’s no need to endure cold showers or go without hot water for hand washing or cooking. King’s Services, the premier water heater experts in Winnipeg, has experience with hot water heater problems in cold weather, and we are ready to fix or replace your water heater.

How do you know your water heater is not working right? Call a professional like King’s Services if your water heater displays any of these warning signs.

Water Heater Problem #1: Leaks

If the casing of the water heater is damaged or if the valves are leaking, you might see water on the outside of the water heater or beneath it.

One cause of leaks is temperature change during winter weather if the furnace is not heating the house properly. Exposure to heat and cold will stress the metal of the water heater and the seals and valves that keep water contained.

Water Heater Problem #2: The Water Isn’t Hot Enough

Inadequate or inconsistent heating is one of the most common hot water heater problems in cold weather. If your water heater is struggling, the maximum water temperature it can produce might be too low to meet your needs. Cold weather makes this problem worse because the water entering the tank from the outside is colder. 

Turning up the temperature on the thermostat might temporarily solve the problem, but it is important to ask why the water heater is having trouble. The problem might get worse if you do not address the underlying cause.

Water Heater Problem #3: Losing Hot Water Too Soon

Even without visible external damage to the tank, the heater may have problems with ignition and combustion. This prevents heaters from heating water efficiently and causes them to run out of hot water too quickly. 

Water Heater Problem #4: A Slow Recovery Rate

The recovery rate is the length of time it takes for water in the tank to heat up after it runs out of hot water. If the heater is not working efficiently, it might take longer to heat the water to an acceptable temperature. A clogged intake valve could increase the time it takes for the water tank to refill.

Water Heater Problem #5: Sediment

Water from the public water supply is not pure water. All water contains some minerals and other impurities, called scale. As water collects in the water tank, sediment falls from the water and collects in the bottom. This is a particular problem if water is “hard,” meaning that it contains a higher concentration of dissolved minerals.

If the sediment in your tank is causing trouble, the technician might drain your tank, remove the sediment, and check for signs of damage or corrosion. Another reason you could have less hot water available is because the tank is gradually filling up with sediment. Your technician might flush your water heater to get rid of sediment.

Water Heater Problem #6: Rust

Over time, a water heater might develop rust. As corrosion degrades the water heater, it will lose the ability to contain water and keep it hot. If the hot water tank is starting to rust, that rust could flake off into the tank, adding to the sediment. If you see rust on the outside of your water tank, that is a sign that the tank might be leaking. 

Water Heater Problem #7: Knocking Noises

If your tank is losing water, steam bubbles might form within the water. The steam bubbles can dislodge sediment in the tank, producing knocking noises. Popping noises can also be a sign of frozen pipes that are under stress and at risk for breaking,

Descaling the tank should put an end to the knocking noise, but the technician should check for leaks or other problems that could cause the water level to be too low. One possibility is that a clogged or faulty intake valve is preventing water from entering the tank quickly enough.

Water Heater Problem #8: High Heating Bills

If the water heater is not heating efficiently or is leaking heat or water, it will use much more fuel than normal attempting to keep the water hot. It is normal to have some increase in your heating bills when the weather turns cold because it takes more energy to heat cold water, but investigate larger than usual increases.

Water Heater Problem #9: High Water Bills

A large leak can cause your water usage to skyrocket, leading to higher than usual water bills. Check the water usage level in your water bill month-to-month to spot any unusual increases.

When to Call a Repair Professional

If you see any of these signs and you can’t fix the problem by turning up the water temperature on the thermostat, call a professional plumber. Even if turning the water temperature up improves your water heater, there might be underlying plumbing problems that need attention.

The experts at King’s Services do not recommend trying to fix the water heater yourself unless you have experience with water heater repair. If you damage the water heater, you might face a loss of hot water and an expensive replacement. However, stay alert for signs of damage and describe the problem to the technician to help them diagnose the problem.

Water Heater Repair by King’s Services in Winnipeg

Now that we’ve discussed how to know if your water heater is broken, the next step is to find a water heater repair service that you can trust. In Winnipeg, the best choice is King’s Services.

Winnipeg residents know how cold the winter months can be. To ensure that you and your family have hot water all winter long, trust the professionals at King’s Services. We can handle all of the common hot water heater problems in cold weather and fix gas and electric water heaters. To schedule a service call or set up a maintenance plan for your water heater, call 204-815-5886 today.