The winter is when you need your water heater the most. When it’s chilly outside, there’s nothing more comforting than warm water to wash your hands and shower with. But did you know that even your water heater can also struggle with the cold?
At Air Tech Of Houston AC & Plumbing, we have some helpful suggestions for preparing your water heater for the winter. Whether you’re looking to prevent frozen water heater pipes or your water heater leaking in Houston, we’ve got your back. Here are our top tips for winterizing your water heater.
Why Do I Need To Winterize My Heater?
Before we explain how to winterize your heater, let’s establish why this step is important. Although it doesn’t drop below freezing very often in Houston, it can get pretty cold during the wintertime. Winterizing your heater is necessary to prevent frozen water heater pipes and bursts.
When it’s cold outside, your heater has to work even harder to warm up the water delivered to the tank or unit. Your heater must be in good condition to withstand the cold–or you might find yourself without hot water when you need it most!
How To Winterize Your Water Heater
There are a few steps to take to prevent a frozen water heater. This process is especially important if you’re planning on leaving town for a winter vacation. If you complete these steps before your trip, you won’t need to worry about frozen pipes while on the go!
Step 1: Drain The Heater
Whether you have a tankless or tanked water heater, you’ll need to drain the heater completely after shutting off the power supply. For a tanked water heater, consider waiting until all the water inside has cooled before draining it out to prevent burns and other injuries.
Step 2: Open All Faucets
Next, you’ll need to open every faucet in your home to release all the remaining water in the pipes. This ensures that no water will freeze inside the pipes and prevents the possibility of damage to your plumbing system. Since most of the water will have drained from the tank, a small amount should escape each faucet.
Step 3: Insulate The Pipes
Even though the temperatures don’t usually drop below freezing in Houston, it’s still beneficial to insulate your pipes and heater for extra protection! Purchase a water heater blanket and pipe wraps to ensure your pipes won’t freeze. These can be left on all winter.
De-Winterizing Your Water Heater
Once winter has concluded, you can begin to de-winterize the unit. Turn on the power source to your heater and remove any winter-based insulation items. For tanked heaters, allow the tank to fill up completely and the water to heat. You’ll be back to warm showers in no time!
Reliable Houston Water Heater Repair
Water heaters are an essential part of any home, so when yours needs repair, Air Tech Of Houston AC & Plumbing is on the job. We perform installations, repairs and maintenance for our neighbors here in Houston. We can even winterize your heater for you! Just give us a call to schedule an appointment!