Why Your Water Heater Struggles in Winter and What You Can Do About It

Cold Water Takes Longer to Heat

During winter, the water entering your home is much colder than it is in warmer months. Because of that, your water heater needs more time and more energy to reach the set temperature.

A 40 or 50 gallon tank may take several extra minutes to recover between uses, especially if multiple people are bathing or doing laundry.

What you can do:

• Increase insulation around the water heater
• Use a water heater blanket if recommended for your unit
• Lower water use during peak times to let the tank recover

Higher Household Demand

Winter brings more hot showers, extra laundry, and general comfort related water use. This puts more strain on your water heater, especially if it is older or undersized.

What you can do:

• Stagger showers when possible
• Use cold water settings for laundry when appropriate
• Consider upgrading to a larger or more efficient system

Older or Failing Heating Elements

For electric water heaters, worn out heating elements can cause lukewarm water, slow recovery times, or inconsistent temperatures. Cold weather can highlight these issues because the system has to work harder.

What you can do:

• Have a professional inspect the heating elements
• Replace worn parts before they fail completely

Sediment Buildup in the Tank

When water heats and cools over time, minerals settle at the bottom of the tank. During winter, this buildup makes your heater work harder and reduces its effective capacity.

Signs of sediment problems include popping noises, slow heating, and reduced hot water volume.

What you can do:

• Schedule a tank flush to remove sediment
• Install a water softener if you have hard water

Pipes and the Plumbing System Lose Heat Faster

Cold temperatures affect more than the heater itself. Pipes running through cold garages, basements, or crawl spaces lose heat before the water reaches your taps.

This makes your hot water seem colder than it actually is.

What you can do:

• Add pipe insulation to exposed lines
• Seal air leaks around pipes in crawl spaces or garages
• Keep warm air circulating in areas where plumbing is exposed

Your Water Heater May Be Near the End of Its Life

Most water heaters last about 8 to 12 years. Winter often exposes failing components that might have gone unnoticed during warmer seasons.

If your unit is older, struggling to maintain temperature, or needing frequent repairs, replacement may be the smartest long term choice.

What you can do:

• Check the age of your water heater
• Ask a technician whether repair or replacement makes more sense
• Consider switching to a high efficiency or tankless system

When To Call a Professional

It is normal for water heaters to work harder in winter, but ongoing problems are a sign that service is needed. Call a professional if you notice:

• Water never gets fully hot
• Hot water runs out almost immediately
• Strange noises coming from the tank
• Leaks, rust, or water pooling
• Fluctuating temperatures

Ignoring these issues can lead to bigger repairs or even water damage.

Final Thoughts

Cold weather puts extra pressure on your water heater, but the right steps can restore comfort and efficiency. Better insulation, routine maintenance, and timely repairs help your system perform at its best all winter long.

If your water heater is struggling, TLH Plumbing can diagnose the issue, recommend the best solution, and keep your home supplied with reliable hot water all season. Contact us today to schedule service.