Why Is My Water Heater Not Working When It’s Cold?

As winter runs its course, your once-reliable water heater is struggling to keep up. During this time of year, your showers may provide lukewarm water at best, and performing simple chores like washing dishes can feel like a major hassle.

As a local expert in water heater repair in Coeur d’Alene, ID, Straight Shooter Plumbing & Rooter is here to get to the bottom of why their water heaters work suboptimally during winter.

The Incoming Water Is Colder Than Usual

The water entering your heater is colder in the winter than it was in the summer. Groundwater temperature drops significantly in winter, meaning your water heater has to work much harder to heat it up.

A Coeur d’Alene, ID, resident reveals how they noticed a big difference in their tankless water heater performance when temperatures dropped. After checking their system, they realized their heater was set to 120°F, which worked fine in warmer months.

However, this was not enough to combat the ice-cold water during winter. Setting their water heater to around 130°F helped solve their problem.

Your Water Heater Is Working Harder (And Slower)

Water heaters share similarities with a car trying to start on a freezing morning. It’s slower, less efficient, and takes longer to reach the desired temperature. If you’ve noticed longer wait times for hot water, this is likely the cause.

Older units, in particular, struggle during winter. Sediment buildup at the bottom of the tank can make it even harder for the heater to do its job.

Fortunately, the solution to this is relatively simple. Having your tank flushed out by a reputable plumbing company can improve performance, something many homeowners overlook until it’s too late.

Your water heater may be struggling against winter’s grip. If you’re still dealing with cold showers after following these tips, call Straight Shooter Plumbing & Rooter. We are Texas’ and Idaho’s reliable full-service plumbing company, specializing in water heater repair in Coeur d’Alene, ID. Call now to schedule an inspection!