4 Common Summer Water Heater Troubles

Water heaters tend to face the most stress and damage during the cooler months. However, the warmer seasons bring their own set of water heater troubles. The plumbing professionals at Newcomb and Company are here with insight on four common water heater issues in the summer.

1: Water Gets Too Hot

In the winter, many homeowners need to turn up the temperature of their water heaters. Why? Naturally, the pipes and external environment surrounding your water heater become colder in the winter. Your water heater can have a hard time keeping up, leading to cold showers. This issue is often fixed by bumping the water heater temperature up a notch.

Once the temperatures rise again in the spring and summer, your unit will no longer be combatting the cold weather. This can leave you with scalding hot water. Unnecessarily high temperatures also cause your water heater to overwork, which can leave you with higher bills and an increased risk of water heater problems.

The solution? Lower temperature settings

Thankfully, the solution here is simple. You will need to turn your water heater back down to its pre-winter temperature settings. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recommends lowering your water heater to 120℉. If you have trouble lowering your water heater temperature on your own, you can consult your plumbing expert during your seasonal maintenance visit.

2: Maintenance Troubles in the Summer

Water heater maintenance is essential year-round. However, water usage tends to sharply increase in the summer. Increased use makes it essential to get the manufacturer-recommended care you need. Primarily, you likely need a water heater flush. Over time, harmful sediments can build up in your water heater. These particles cling to your water heater tank or settle in your tankless unit, reducing its efficiency, effectiveness, and lifespan.

The solution? A simple water heater flush.

Water heaters should be flushed, on average, once a year to keep your unit in good health. During this process, your plumbing professional will drain your water heater and clean it with a chemical solution. This process will remove the sediment buildup and restore your water heater functioning.

3: Pilot Light Loss

For homes with gas-powered water heaters—especially those placed in the attic—you may experience issues with your pilot light during the summer. Pilot light issues occur when the area surrounding a water heater is warmer than the water heater itself. Additionally, because warm air rises, these units may not have the ventilation needed for the combustion process in the summer.

The solution? Ventilation improvements.

In these cases, you will need to improve the ventilation surrounding your water heater. This will address the combustion and pilot light issues your unit is experiencing. Alternatively, you may consider a water heater replacement— especially if your unit is placed in your attic. If your unit leaks or bursts, it will put your whole house at risk for water damage.

4: Warm Water Shortage

Again, water usage tends to rise in the summer. Hotter weather often means more frequently needed showers, extra laundry, and more cleaning. If your household is jam-packed, this could lead to some warm water shortages that you might not find in the colder months.

The solution? You may need a larger water heater.

Larger water heaters have more capacity, which means there is more warm water to go around. You might also consider a tankless water heater. Tankless units heat water on-demand to keep you from experiencing shortages.

Newcomb and Company Water Heater Service

The Raleigh plumbers at Newcomb & Company are here to ensure your water heater is ready for the summer. Whether you need a water heater flush, unit replacement, or another water heater service, our local experts are here for you. We proudly serve the greater Raleigh area, including homes and businesses in Clayton, Cary, Garner, Knightdale, and beyond. You can give our plumbing experts a call today to get started!