Get Ready For Winter: How To Avoid Water Heater Troubles
Winter will soon be here. That means you'll need to give your water heater some extra care and attention. The last thing you want to do is get stuck with cold showers in the middle of winter. Those cold showers are okay during the summer, but not so much when there's snow on the ground outside. Not only that, but if you're going to be having guests in for the holidays, you want to make sure that your water heater isn't going to pose any problems for you and your guests. Here are four important steps you should take to get your water heater ready.
Make Sure It's Secure
If your water heater isn't strapped down, you should put that project at the top of your list, especially if your water heater is out in the open. Strapping your water heater down will prevent it from tipping over, which is particularly important if earthquakes are a common occurrence in your area. It's also important to strap down your water heater if your home is going to be filled with guests during the holidays. You never know when rough-housing is going to result in someone falling forcefully into your water heater.
Turn Down the Temperature
Now that the temperatures outside are dipping lower, it's time to lower the temperature on your water heater, as well. Maintaining a higher temperature on your water heater during the winter could lead to serious burn injuries. It's particularly important that you lower the temperature setting if you're going to be having guests in for the holidays. Because the temperatures are colder outside, your skin can be more sensitive to hot water, which makes burns more likely.
Protect It Against the Weather
If your hot water heater is located in the garage, or in a compartment that is exposed to the cold winter weather, you'll need to give it some additional protection. Wrap it up in an insulating water heater blanket to protect it against weather damage. The insulating cover will also help reduce your energy bills since your water heater won't need to work so hard to keep you supplied with hot water. If your water heater is installed inside your home, you don't necessarily need to insulate it during the winter.
Schedule a Maintenance Call
Now that you're getting ready for your holiday company, make sure your water heater will be ready for the added use. Schedule a maintenance call with your repair technician. You never know when you're water heater is having a problem that you're not aware of, such as an anode rod that's getting ready to fail.