When fall arrives on Long Island, your water heater probably isn’t the first thing on your seasonal to-do list. You may be thinking about getting your heating system ready, cleaning up the yard or putting away the patio furniture. But this is also a great time to make sure your water heater is ready for the colder months ahead.
After all, there’s never a particularly good time to run out of hot water. But discovering a problem on a cold winter morning certainly makes it worse.
Your Water Heater Works Harder in Cold Weather
As outdoor temperatures drop, so does the temperature of the water entering your home. That means your water heater has more work to do to bring that water up to the temperature you expect.
At the same time, many households use more hot water during the colder months. Longer, warmer showers and other everyday activities can put additional demand on your system.
If your water heater is already struggling, fall is a good time to find out before winter puts it to the test.
Small Problems Can Become Bigger Ones
Water heaters tend to give you some warning when something isn’t right. The trick is noticing those signs before you’re left without hot water.
Keep an eye, and an ear, out for things like:
- Hot water that doesn’t last as long as it used to
- Water that takes longer to heat up
- Popping, rumbling or other unusual sounds
- Rusty or discolored hot water
- Visible corrosion on the tank or connections
- Moisture or water around the base of the unit
Any of these can be a good reason to have your water heater checked by a professional.
Sediment Can Affect Water Heater Performance
Over time, minerals in your water can settle at the bottom of a tank-style water heater. As sediment accumulates, your system may have to work harder to heat the water in the tank. It can also contribute to some of those popping or rumbling sounds you may hear.
Routine water heater maintenance can help address sediment buildup and give a plumber an opportunity to check the condition of the tank and other important components.
And if you can’t remember the last time anyone looked at your water heater, fall is as good a time as any to change that.
It’s Better to Find a Problem Before Winter
Nobody wants to start a January morning with an unexpectedly cold shower. Checking your water heater in the fall gives you an opportunity to take care of maintenance or repairs before you’re relying on it through the coldest part of the year.
It can also help you plan ahead if your water heater is getting older or showing signs that replacement may be on the horizon. Finding that out during a routine visit is a lot less stressful than making a rushed decision because the old unit suddenly stopped working.
Give Your Water Heater a Little Attention This Fall
Your water heater does a lot of work behind the scenes every day. A little preventive attention can help keep it operating reliably and give you peace of mind heading into another Long Island winter.
If your water heater hasn’t been checked recently, is making unusual noises or simply isn’t keeping up the way it used to, the plumbing team at T.F. O’Brien can help. We’ll take a look, explain what we find and help you determine the best next step for your home.
