Prevent Water Heater Damage This Winter

Portland winters can take a toll on your water heater, leaving you with cold showers and icy baths when temperatures plummet. The good news is that you can take steps now to lower the risk of water heater damage this winter. Keep the following prevention tips in mind to protect your water heater.

Flush Sediment From Your Water Heater

Sediment can build up inside your water heater as minerals accumulate in the bottom part of it. Over time, this sediment can make it more difficult for your water heater to work properly, since it needs more energy to heat your water. Have a technician inspect your water heater for sediment buildup and flush it as needed. This helps prevent you from running out of hot water this winter.

Insulate Your Water Heater

Just as you can insulate your pipes to stop them from freezing, you can also insulate your water heater to help save energy and protect it from damage. If you have an electric water heater, consider covering it with neoprene foam to insulate it this winter. For gas water heaters, you’ll most likely need to use fiberglass pipe insulation, along with aluminum foil tape to secure it. Insulation helps prevent water heater damage and also keeps the water in your heater warmer than usual. This reduces wear and tear on your water heater and lowers your energy usage.

Schedule an Inspection

Having your water heater checked for faulty parts helps lower your risk of losing hot water this winter. A technician can check your gas or electric water heater parts for any signs of damage and replace or repair them as needed.

Watch for Rusty Water

If the water coming out of your sinks and other fixtures has a rusty color, this can indicate a problem with your water heater. Have a technician check your water heater to determine if it needs to be fixed or replaced.

If your water heater needs maintenance or repairs this winter, please contact Roth Home & Cooling. We offer dependable heating and cooling services for homeowners in the Portland area.