Cold Weather Can Mess With Your Hot Water
Ever notice your hot water disappears faster when it’s freezing outside? You’re not imagining it and your water heater might be working overtime.
Here in Kansas City, winter doesn’t just mean cold air. It also means colder groundwater, longer heat-up times, and more stress on your plumbing. And if your water heater isn’t up for the job, you’re the one stuck with cold showers and rising energy bills.
At Smedley Plumbing, we’ve seen what Midwest winters do to hot water systems. We’re here to help you understand what’s going on, fix what’s broken, and make sure your water heater works the way it should, no matter what the forecast says.
Types of Water Heating Systems
Before learning how cold weather can affect hot water heating systems, it helps to know the different kinds of water heating systems and how they work.
Electric water heater
Electric water heaters run on electricity to heat up the water. All homes have electricity, so this would be an easier installation to have in your home. An electric water heater heats water efficiently, is safer than gas, and never needs relighting because there isn’t a pilot light. Electric water heaters due have higher operating costs and will not operate during power outages.
Gas water heater
Gas water heaters run off of municipal gas, which not every home has, and may need a gas line installed if they want to go this route. Gas water heaters heat water quickly, have a better energy efficiency, and operate during power outages. However, gas water heaters are less safe than electric models, have a shorter lifespan, and require relighting sometimes.
Tankless water heater
A tankless water heater, otherwise known as an on-demand water heater, doesn’t store water in a tank. The water is heated as it passes through the unit. They can run on electricity, natural gas, or propane.
How Does Cold Weather Affect My Water Heating System?
Colder Water Increases Heating Time
In winter, the water entering your home can be much colder than during warmer months. Instead of 60°F, it could drop to around 35–45°F in winter. This means your heater has to work harder and take longer to bring the water up to your preferred temperature.
Higher Energy Bills
As your heater works harder to heat the colder water, it consumes more energy, leading to higher energy bills. You’ll likely notice this spike in winter when your heater is working around the clock to compensate for the cold water temperature.
Wear and Tear on the System
When your water heater has to work overtime to keep up with the demand for hot water, it can wear down faster. The heating elements, gas burners, and thermostats will experience more strain, which can lead to frequent repairs or shorten the lifespan of the unit.
Cold Weather Can Cool or Freeze Your Water Pipes
The cold can negatively impact your pipes and fixtures when temperatures start to drop during that time of year. The intake water in your pipes and fixtures cools as winter weather becomes colder. It’s common for the temperature of the water running from the hot water heater to your faucets or showerheads to drop by 10 degrees. This happens because the cold temperatures also affect your plumbing fixture. For example, when turning on the kitchen or bathroom water faucets and it doesn’t seem hot enough, many homeowners assume it’s the fault of their water heater; however, it may be from the fixtures being cold.
When you’re unsure what’s causing the issues, we recommend calling Smedley Plumbing.
Other factors that cause your water heating system to work harder during the winter are as follows:
Your water heater is usually in the basement, garage, or closet. These areas of your home are generally cooler than the rest of your home, causing your system to cool down and forcing the system to work harder when heating water for your household.
Because of the lower temperatures outside, water delivered to the system during the winter months is colder than usual. So, unfortunately, your water heating system will have to work harder to reach the temperature you desire.
During the colder months, your family’s need for hot water increases, which can cause stress to the system, making it work harder and longer to meet your household’s requirements.
Warning Signs Your Water Heating System Needs Maintenance
The simple fact is that no one wants to be without a functioning water heating system. So, it’s a good idea to understand the common signs of a potential system failure. Ignoring even minor issues with your system can lead to a significant breakdown later. Avoid a breakdown and schedule water heater repair services as soon as you experience these common water heater problems.
The following are warning signs that your water heating system requires repair:
A significant increase in your energy bills
You notice rust forming on your hot water heater
Leaky pipes
The water temperature in your home fluctuates
Loud knocking or banging sounds from your water heating system
Your water takes longer to warm up.
Your water temperature does not get as hot as it should
Tips to Avoid a Damaged Water Heating System
Below is a list of tasks you can do to prepare your home for cold weather to help prevent the need for repairs or replacement of your water heating system.
Increase the setting on your system’s thermostat
Consider switching to a tankless system
Schedule professional maintenance
Pipe Insulation in your home
Replace worn-out faucet aerators and showerheads
Use cold water to wash your clothes.
Unless the dishwasher is full, avoid running it.
Preventative Maintenance
Water heater maintenance is often overlooked. But did you know that regular maintenance can extend the life of your system? You don’t want to be caught off guard by a problem. Preventative maintenance is the best way to avoid a breakdown or a costly fee for replacement, especially when a professional plumber performs the maintenance. Here are some maintenance tips to help you get the most out of your water heating system.
Inspect the TPR Valve
The TPR valve, also known as the temperature-pressure relief valve, aids in the removal of water from the water tank if the pressure becomes too high. We recommend checking your TPR valve regularly as part of your regular maintenance. You can check the TPR valve by lifting the tab to drain some of the water and then letting go. If the water flow continues, it’s time to replace the valve.
Examine for Sediment
Sediment, particularly calcium, and rust, is the leading cause of your water heating system failure. Be sure to check for sediment buildup regularly to extend the life of your system. In addition, examine the tank’s exterior and components and replace any parts that show corrosion damage.
Drain and refill the tank
Drain the tank to flush out any sediment buildup as part of your maintenance. We recommend draining your tank at least once a year to prevent sediment buildup inside the tank, which will help your system last longer.
Examine the Temperature Gauge
Regular maintenance should include checking the temperature gauge. Your water temperature should never exceed 120 degrees Fahrenheit for safety purposes. Aside from safety concerns, lowering the temperature can help you save money on your utility bills. You can expect to save 5% on energy costs for every 10 degrees you lower the temperature.
Insulation
To protect your system, insulate your plumbing. When the cold weather moves in, your system has to work harder to stabilize the temperature. You can help it by performing regular maintenance and ensuring that your plumbing is properly insulated.
When to Call a Pro
If your hot water turns lukewarm, your heater makes odd noises, or you’re running out of hot water faster than usual, it’s time to bring in backup.
At Smedley Plumbing, we don’t send out trainees or guess at problems. Every plumber has over 10,000 hours of real-world experience. That means we show up, find the issue fast, and fix it the right way.
Cold weather puts extra pressure on your water heater. If yours is acting up or if you just want peace of mind heading into winter, give us a call. We’ll check your system, explain what’s going on, and get things back on track without any pressure or surprise costs.
How Smedley Plumbing Helps
We Bring 10,000+ Hours of Experience to Every Call
Every plumber we send has logged over 10,000 hours of hands-on plumbing work. That means no guesswork, no wasted time, and no one learning on the job. Just a seasoned pro who knows how to fix your hot water heater the right way.
Fast Help, Especially When It’s Cold
Cold weather doesn’t wait, and neither do we. If your hot water heater goes out, we do our best to offer same-day plumbing service, especially during winter. We show up ready to diagnose the issue and get your hot water running again.
We Service All Kinds of Water Heaters
Gas, electric, tankless, or hybrid, whatever type of system you have, we’ve worked on it. From basic repairs to complex diagnostics, we’ll figure out what’s wrong and fix it without delay.
Need a Replacement? We’ll Help You Decide
If your water heater is getting old or you’re tired of repeat repairs, we’ll help you look at replacement options. No pressure. Just honest input from a plumber who’s seen it all and wants what’s best for your home.
Need Hot Water Help in the Cold? We’re Just a Call Away.
When your water heater struggles in winter, waiting it out isn’t the answer. The cold won’t fix itself and neither will your hot water.
Call us today at (816) 763-3539 or book online. No pressure. No sales gimmicks. Just honest plumbing, fair pricing, and hot water you can count on even when it’s freezing outside.
Frequently Asked Questions
In colder months, the water coming into your heater is much colder than usual. That means your system has to work harder to heat it up. If your tank isn’t big enough or the unit is older, you’ll run out of hot water faster than you’re used to.
Yes. Cold temps can stress the heater, pipes, and fittings especially if the unit is in an unheated space like a garage or basement. Frozen pipes or a cracked tank can lead to leaks or full system failure if not caught early.
You might need to bump it up a few degrees if you’re not getting enough hot water, but don’t go above 120°F to stay safe. A small adjustment can help, but if you’re still running out, it may be time for a checkup.
Make sure it’s in a warm spot or insulated if it’s in a cold area. Check for any leaks, flush out sediment buildup, and inspect the anode rod if it hasn’t been looked at in a while. If you’re unsure, we can handle all of this in a quick service visit.
Look out for longer heat-up times, inconsistent hot water, strange noises, or small leaks. These are signs your heater might be struggling with the cold or getting close to the end of its lifespan.
Winter cold causes heat loss in pipes and the tank, which can drop water temps before it reaches your tap. If your temperature setting is too low or your system is older, it may not keep up. A quick checkup can help fix this.
Yes. Cold temps can stress your plumbing and water supply lines. That may lead to cracks, leaks, or sediment buildup affecting water quality and leading to costly repairs. A winter tune-up helps avoid these problems.
