HOW COLD WEATHER AFFECTS YOUR WATER HEATER IN GARLAND, TX
Winter weather really puts your water heater to the test. It needs to work a lot harder to heat up the cold water coming in, which can mean longer heating sessions and slower recovery times, resulting in higher energy bills for you. If you live in Garland, TX, then you'll know all too well how freezing temperatures can cause your pipes to freeze up, leading to leaks and further damage to your plumbing.
Here's the lowdown on what to look out for during a North Texas winter and how to keep your hot water flowing, as well as when it's time to bring in the pros.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
With colder water coming in, your water heater has to use more energy to get it hot, which can mean a higher energy bill and less hot water to go around during long showers.
If you've got pipes in your garage, crawl space, exterior walls, or other unheated areas, they're at a higher risk of freezing.
When those pipes freeze, they can crack or burst, causing a lot of damage when they thaw out.
Installing insulation, keeping your home heated, and investing in regular plumbing checks can all help protect your heater and plumbing during the winter weather.
HOW DOES COLD WEATHER AFFECT YOUR WATER HEATER?
Here are the three key ways that cold weather can affect your hot water heater:
1. COLDER WATER TAKES LONGER TO HEAT
From late April to October, summer temperatures in Garland, Dallas, and the surrounding TX areas mean that the water coming into your heater is pretty warm. But in the dead of winter, the water is a lot colder, which means your heater has to work a lot harder to deliver the water temperature you like.
For instance, if it needs to heat up 40°F water to 120°F, that's twice the temperature rise of heating 80°F water to 120°F. That can mean a bigger energy bill and longer recovery times, especially if you're still using an old tank-style heater that's nearing the end of its life.
The U.S. Department of Energy's water heater sizing guidance explains how incoming water temperature affects the heating capacity you need.
2. YOUR HOT WATER MAY RUN OUT FASTER
If your family normally enjoys back-to-back showers, you might notice the hot water doesn't last quite as long in January as it does in July.
The tank needs more time to replace and reheat the hot water you've used. Cold weather doesn't necessarily mean the unit is broken, but a noticeable drop in performance can also point to sediment buildup or a faulty heating element.
3. EXPOSED PIPES CAN FREEZE
Too many people focus on the heater itself when it comes to winter plumbing problems. But the real risk to Garland homes involves the water supply lines and hot water pipes connected to the heater. The pipes in your garage, crawl space, attic, and exterior walls are especially at risk.
When the water inside the pipe freezes, the expanding ice and rising pressure can cause the pipe to split. The National Weather Service warns that frozen pipes can burst, and recommends checking your vulnerable plumbing after a freeze.
WHAT ARE THE WARNING SIGNS OF COLD WEATHER WATER HEATER PROBLEMS?
Warning Sign | What It Could Mean |
Hot water runs out unusually quickly | Colder inlet water or reduced heating performance |
Water takes longer to heat | Increased winter heating demand or a system fault |
Little or no water from a hot faucet | A frozen or obstructed supply line |
Water pressure suddenly drops | Frozen pipes, a leak, or another water line problem |
Water pools around the heater | A leaking connection, valve, or damaged tank |
Unusual sounds from the tank | Sediment buildup or another maintenance issue |
The longer you go without fixing a small leak, the more damage it can cause when it eventually gets worse.
If you notice a leak or loss of pressure, you suspect freeze damage, or if you're getting a lot of cold water when you turn on the faucet, contact Military Plumbing for water heater service in Garland. We offer same-day service where we can, and 24/7 emergency plumbing support.
HOW CAN YOU PROTECT YOUR WATER HEATER DURING A GARLAND FREEZE?
The best way to protect your heater during a Garland freeze is to take action before it starts to get colder. Here's what you can do:
What to Do | Why It Helps |
Insulate exposed water pipes | Reduces heat loss and the risk of freezing |
Keep your home heated | Helps protect pipes inside exterior walls and unheated spaces |
Seal cold drafts | Stops freezing air reaching vulnerable plumbing |
Know where the main water supply shutoff is | Allows you to act quickly if you discover a burst pipe |
Schedule a plumbing inspection | Helps you identify leaks, worn components, and exposed lines |
Arrange regular tank maintenance | Helps control sediment buildup and maintain performance |
If you've got a water heater in a garage or another unconditioned space, pay special attention to the exposed pipes and the manufacturer's freeze protection instructions. Don't try to compensate by turning up the thermostat, as higher temperatures put you at risk of scalding.
You can also prepare your plumbing in October or November rather than waiting for the first freeze warning. That gives you time to inspect your insulation and arrange repairs if needed.
WHAT SHOULD YOU DO IF YOUR WATER HEATER PIPES FREEZE?
If one of your faucets stops running during freezing weather, here are the four steps you should take:
Inspect your pipes for any construction damage, looking specifically for cracks, leaks, or bulging in any pipe you can see. If you suspect a break, turn off the main water supply to your house right away.
Keep the tap open over the spot that's affected. This lets water escape as the ice starts to thaw and can help prevent further problems.
Try applying some gentle heat. You can use a hair dryer to blow warm air on a pipe that's easy to get to, if the area is dry and it's safe to plug in a dryer. (Don't use an open flame on your pipes, as this is a major fire risk and may damage the pipe.)
If you can't access the pipe, it's best to call in a plumbing contractor. You don't want to end up breaking something even worse, or the pipe may just start leaking again once the temperatures rise.
Don't use an unattended space heater to warm a wall or crawl space. The National Fire Protection Association warns against unsafe space heater use, including placing heaters too close to combustible materials.
If a pipe has burst, shut off the water and arrange for an affordable emergency plumbing company to visit your property rather than attempting major repairs yourself. A professional can typically also recommend the appropriate measures to prevent mold problems in your home. Getting a complete solution and knowing you won't end up with gallons of water flooding your home is well worth the money.
Our emergency plumbers are here for you no matter what the time of day or night you call. We operate outside of normal Monday to Friday business hours, offering priority scheduling when you need it most. Call us today at (972) 635 7676.
HOW MILITARY PLUMBING CAN HELP YOU PREPARE FOR WINTER
At Military Plumbing, we'd rather help you avoid a winter plumbing nightmare than end up with a big repair bill after a freeze.
Our plumbers have 13+ years of experience and are fully insured and licensed, and we offer fast response times across 26+ towns in North Texas. Every job we carry out comes with our Mission-Ready guarantees, including upfront pricing, a promise that we'll be on time or we'll give you a refund, and a one-year no regrets pledge.
Schedule your Garland plumbing service with Military Plumbing today. We'll help keep your hot water running, whatever the Texas weather brings.
FAQs
Q: Can Cold Weather Cause a Water Heater to Stop Working?
Yes, freezing temperatures can damage exposed pipes or water lines connected to your heater, preventing water from flowing properly. Cold incoming water can also increase heating times, which will increase the cost of heating. If you have no hot water, our technicians can inspect the system and identify whether the problem involves frozen pipes, a faulty component, or another issue.
Q: Should I Turn Up My Water Heater Thermostat in Winter?
No, you don't necessarily need to turn up your water heater thermostat in winter if you live in Garland or a nearby TX city. A higher thermostat setting poses a safety risk due to scalding and can raise your energy bills. If your water heater struggles to supply enough hot water, it's better to investigate the cause rather than simply increase the temperature.
Q: Can Frozen Pipes Burst After the Weather Warms Up?
Yes, frozen pipes can burst as the weather warms up. Ice can damage a pipe while it's frozen, but the leak may only become obvious when spring arrives, the ice thaws, and water starts flowing again. Check your exposed plumbing carefully after a freeze, and shut off the main water supply if you discover a broken line.
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