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HOW TO PREVENT WATER HEATER LEAKS IN COLD WEATHER

Trying to learn how to prevent water heater leaks in cold weather can be a little difficult. Cold weather is tough on a lot of things, including your water heater. There are a few things you can do to prevent leaks, but if you have an older unit, you are probably hoping it can last you as long as possible. The true best way to prevent water heater leaks is to have routine maintenance to ensure it is running in tip-top shape.

3 Ways To Prevent Water Heater Leaks

Cold weather will wreak havoc on metal, causing it to expand and contract for months. If you live in an area that often sees extreme cold weather, like we get here in Cincinnati, you want to do everything in your power to prevent damage from occurring. Here are a few things you can do to stay on top of any problems with your water heater this winter:

Inspect: It’s always smart to inspect your water heater prior to the winter months. You are looking for bends, cracks, leaks or anything else that seems unusual. Another thing to look out for is if it takes longer for your water heater to generate hot water. This could be a sign that there is a sediment buildup in it.

Maintain: If everything passes inspection, you want to make sure that you maintain surveillance on your water heater. If your unit is in a tight corner, also check the surrounding wall to make sure there’s no water damage (a quick indicator that a leak is occurring).

Overuse: One of the reasons we often see leaks occur during winter months is because we use the unit more often. Our hot showers are longer and we even crank up the temperate to brush our teeth or shave. The constant temperature fluctuations can be hard on your unit in these cold months. Cut down the usage and you will cut down the damage, especially if the unit is stored in a cold area.

Water Heater Leak Repair; DIY Or Call A Pro?

It’s challenging to learn how to prevent water heater leaks in cold weather if you have an older unit. If sediment is in the tank or there are cracks in the unit itself, there really might not be much you can do to salvage it. If that’s the case, you should call a licensed plumber to remove the unit and replace it with a new one. However – before you make the call – if all you have noticed is leaking, there is one thing you can do yourself. Watch the unit for a while and see if the leaks are coming from the tank or from the fittings and pipes attached to it. If they are not coming from the tank itself, it could be a much cheaper and easier fix. If all else fails and you are unable to figure out how to prevent water heater leaks in cold weather, you can always call on the licensed plumbers at Best Plumbing Service for any maintenance, repair or installation work. Our team can find the source of the problem with your water heater, whether you have a tankless or traditional model, gas or electric. If you’re having issues with your hot water heater, make the BEST choice and call BEST Plumbing Service today!

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