The summer climate in Macon County, GA, can only be described as hot and humid. If you live anywhere in Georgia, you may experience a variety of common water heater problems when summer temperatures strike. If you’re curious as to why your water heater might be struggling during this time of year, the team at Ricky Heath Plumbing, Heating, and Cooling has some answers. Learn more about these common problems, how and why summer can impact your water heater, and how to fix these issues in Georgia.
Common Water Heater Problems in Summer
Whether it’s extremely hot, humid, or both, here are some of the most common water heater problems that homeowners experience in the summer months.
Water leaks
High humidity levels during the summer can cause excess condensation to build up on the water heater. This extra buildup of condensation could eventually lead to leaks. Additionally, an increase in water use when the kids are home from school may put excess strain on the water heater, causing leaks from the tank or at the water heater’s connections.
Overheating issues
As the temperature of the air around the water heater rises (ambient air), it can cause the unit to overheat. This is especially common if the thermostat is already set too high. Overheating may lead your water heater to shut down completely, or it could cause your water to be too hot for bathing and showering. Instead of the water heater producing not-as-hot water, it could be much too hot to use.
Too much sediment
A combination of high water temperatures and increased water usage during the summer could cause excess sediment to build up inside the tank. This problem could affect anyone, but it mainly impacts those Georgia homeowners with hard water. Too much sediment inside the tank reduces the water heater’s efficiency, could cause strange popping or rumbling noises, and may lead to the water heater overheating or malfunctioning.
Summer storms
Georgia often experiences major weather events in the summer, including severe thunderstorms and other forms of inclement weather. Depending on where you live in the state, you may also be vulnerable to the occasional hurricane. When a major storm hits, it can cause power outages and other issues that may affect your water heater.
Other common issues in the summer
The hot outdoor summer temperatures may affect the accuracy of your water heater’s thermostat, causing your water temperatures to be inaccurate. High temperatures can also lead to thermal expansion, which occurs when pressure inside the tank increases, and may lead to leaks or a burst tank. The summer heat may also cause electric water heaters to have issues with the electrical wiring as the connections expand and contract. This may lead to a short circuit or a major wiring problem that requires professional attention.
Why Summer Can Impact Your Water Heater
If your hot water heater is going out during the summer or is experiencing other issues, it could be due to several factors. Here are just some of the reasons why summer can impact your water heater and its functionality.
Increased water use
While your household may not take as many hot showers in the summer, you may use more water to do things like water the lawn, fill your swimming pool, or do more laundry. All of this excess water usage puts more strain on your water heater, increasing wear and tear. Not only does this put more strain on the water heater, but forcing it to work harder may make it operate less efficiently, leading to higher energy bills.
Excessive humidity
Everyone living in Georgia knows that the humidity is extremely high during the summer. These high humidity levels can cause condensation to form, which may lead to leaks and water damage. Rust and corrosion can easily form on fixtures, causing them to become loose, damaged, or malfunction. High temperatures and high humidity may also lead to thermal expansion, making the leaks worse or causing the pressure relief valve to malfunction.
High ambient temperatures
The hot, high ambient summer temperatures in Georgia can impact your water heater’s thermostat and how it operates. This problem could cause the water heater to overheat or underheat your water. It may also lead to increased energy consumption, even though you may experience inconsistent water temperatures.
Pilot light issues
If you have a gas water heater, high temperatures can cause the pilot light to go out. This problem occurs when the ambient air temperature exceeds the setting on the thermostat. Poor ventilation can lead to reduced oxygen, snuffing out the pilot light.
Unpleasant odors
If your water heater has too much sediment inside the tank, it might emit a strong, unpleasant odor. The smell of sewage or rotten eggs may indicate that your water heater needs to be flushed as soon as possible. It could also mean that there is a buildup of bacteria inside the water heater, the anode rod needs to be replaced, or you have clogged drains or another plumbing issue.
How to Fix Summer Water Heater Issues in Georgia
Georgia summers can pose unique problems for your water heater. Follow these tips to help you fix issues and practice good maintenance to protect your plumbing and keep your water heater running as efficiently as possible:
- When you go on summer vacation, turn your water heater off or set it to “vacation mode” (if this feature is available) to prevent unexpected problems when you’re away.
- If you suspect that your water heater may fail, it’s best to replace it ahead of time by scheduling a professional installation with Ricky Heath to avoid a total breakdown.
- Reduce the thermostat setting on your water heater to around 120 degrees, which is ideal for average household use.
- Make sure the area where your water heater is located has proper ventilation to prevent excess condensation and water leaks.
- Schedule a professional water heater inspection in early spring and consider a water heater flush, rinse, and refill to remove sediment buildup before summer arrives.
- If your water heater is around 10 to 15 years old or older, consider upgrading to a more energy-efficient tankless water heater so you don’t have to worry about the tank bursting or leaking.
- Look for leaks, tighten all loose connections, and inspect the pressure relief valve to prevent leaks from causing serious water damage in the middle of the summer.
- Install vents or fans near your gas water heater to prevent pilot light combustion issues.
Contact Ricky Heath Today
Since 1988, the team at Ricky Heath Plumbing, Heating, and Cooling has provided Georgia homeowners with reliable professional plumbing and HVAC services. Everything we do is with speed, care, and quality, with a consistent focus on delivering more than expected to assure your total satisfaction. If you need water heater repair, want to install a new water heater, or would like to schedule an inspection, contact us today!
