Is your morning shower turning cold before it should? You hear a rumble or some odd popping from the water heater and wonder if the unit will give out with the cold weather on its way?
You would be hard pressed to find a homeowner in Wexford, Butler County or Northern Allegheny County who has not put those same questions to us at G.I. Plumbing this time of year. We have been in business in Southwest Pennsylvania since 2015 and are on hand to help. Put in a call to (412) 866-2719 and we can go over what your water heater requires before the winter sets in.
Then again, fall is an ideal season to tend to your water heater; some forethought now precludes a chilly shock come January.
Why you should be on top of water heater care in the fall
In winter the job of your water heater is more demanding than at any other point in the year. With the ground cooling off, so does the water entering your home, and the unit must run longer to make up for it and get to the temperature you want. An older model that has been let alone will not stand up to the strain as well.
All too often one does not consider the water heater until it has packed in, leaving one with cold showers and the prospect of water damage. A few preventative measures in the fall put an end to that kind of trouble.
Some basic checks for the homeowner
Before the cold really sets in there are a number of things we would have you look at:
- The base of the tank for puddles, rust or moisture.
- Any crackling or rumbling from the unit while it is heating.
- The temperature setting; 120 degrees is what we suggest for efficiency and safety.
- Clear away any clutter or items you may have put near the water heater.
- Visible pipes for a slow drip or corrosion.
Should you see any of these, let a professional have a good look at them before the winter rush.
Flushing the tank
Sediment and minerals have a way of making themselves at home at the bottom of the tank. It is a buildup that will cut into the life of your water heater and hamper its efficiency. In fact, the noise you are hearing is likely sediment at work in there.
A flush of the tank will put an end to that and ensure smooth running through the winter. Some do it on their own but many of our customers opt to have a pro do it and catch any other problems while they are at it. For us to come out and take care of it, dial (412) 866-2719.
Preventing frozen lines and pipe issues
We see our share of frozen pipe emergencies in Southwest Pennsylvania in the wintertime. A burst pipe can do a world of damage in no time at all, so use the fall to check on the pipes in your home and those of the water heater. To mitigate the risk we advise the following:
- Insulation of any exposed pipes in the basement, garage or crawl space.
- Do not let the heat in your home fluctuate when you are out.
- Drain and put away your outdoor hoses ahead of a hard freeze.
- Close up any gaps or drafts by the exterior walls where pipes run.
- Be sure you can find the main shutoff in an emergency.
An upgrade in order?
When a water heater is over ten years old and causing you grief, replacing it makes sense in the fall. You will see a reduction in energy costs with a newer, more efficient unit. From tankless installation to the repair of a conventional water heater we do it all. There are financing options and 10% off the first service for new clients.
As a company started by veterans we are committed to the community. We are PA License #PA128152 and have an A+ with the BBB. Our work is backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee; if you are not happy with the result we will set it right.
Make a call to G.I. Plumbing at (412) 866-2719 and let us prepare your water heater for the winter rather than waiting for a cold morning to tell you it is done. We are at your service Monday to Friday from 8:00am until 4:30pm.
