One of the biggest winter concerns of homeowners across the country is the possibility of bursting pipes. When the temperature dips low enough, standing water in the home’s plumbing system freezes, expanding to the point of causing breaks in the pipes, which in turn leads to expensive water damage. In Citrus Heights, California, the chances of freezing temperatures are far less likely, but that doesn’t mean homeowners should overlook their plumbing over the winter season. In fact, one plumbing element that deserves particular attention is the home’s water heater.
Hot water is useful for a number of different tasks on a daily basis. Problems with your water heater could negatively impact those tasks, preventing you from taking warm showers, doing the dishes, or doing the laundry, all while impacting your utility bills. The less efficient your water heater, the longer it will take for the water to heat, and the more expensive your bill. And when it comes to winter, water heaters are actually at their highest risk of failure. This is for two reasons:
- Increased Usage
When the temperatures drop, it’s common for households to increase their use of hot water. After all, a cool shower in the middle of January is far less refreshing than one in July.
- Increased Effort
As Citrus Heights grows colder, so does the water flowing through your pipes. Even with insulation, the water entering your home from the outside is going to be colder than usual. This forces your water heater to work harder than usual to increase the temperature to an appropriate level.
The best way to deal with these issues is simply to monitor the performance of your water heater. Signs that it may be in trouble include delays in the heating of your water, sudden losses of water pressure, and unexpected spikes in your utility bills. If you observe any of these, contact the professionals at Flowrite Plumbing right away. A licensed plumber can evaluate the issue and complete the necessary repairs to prevent the problem from becoming far greater and more expensive later in the season. To get in touch with one of the technicians at Flowrite Plumbing, you can fill out our online form or give us a call at 916-496-0935.