Texas Water Heaters Work Harder in Winter — Signs Yours Is About to Fail

Texas Water Heaters Work Harder in Winter — Signs Yours Is About to Fail

If you live in North Texas, you already know winter here is unpredictable. One week it’s 70°, the next we’re dealing with freezing nights, cold ground temperatures, and heaters running nonstop.

What many homeowners don’t realize is that winter is one of the hardest seasons on water heaters in Texas — and it’s when we see the most unexpected failures.

As a local, family-owned plumbing company serving Denton, Flower Mound, Lantana, Lewisville, Argyle, and surrounding areas, we get the same calls every January:

“The water was fine last week… now it barely stays hot.”“It makes a popping noise when it runs.”“The shower goes cold halfway through.”

These are not random issues. They’re warning signs.

Why Water Heaters Struggle More in Texas Winters

Texas water heaters don’t just heat water — they fight conditions they weren’t designed for year-round.

Here’s what changes in winter:

• Colder groundwater enters the tank

• More hot water usage (showers, laundry, dishes)

• Temperature swings stress internal components

• Sediment hardens faster inside the tank

All of this forces your water heater to work harder, longer, and less efficiently — especially if it’s older or hasn’t been maintained.

Early Warning Signs Your Water Heater Is About to Fail

Most water heater failures don’t happen without warning. Homeowners just don’t know what to watch for.

Here are the most common red flags we see in North Texas homes:

1. Hot Water Runs Out Faster Than It Used To

If you’re suddenly getting shorter showers or the water turns cold unexpectedly, it’s often due to:

• Sediment buildup reducing tank capacity

• A failing heating element (electric units)

• A burner struggling to keep up (gas units)

This is one of the earliest and most ignored signs.

2. Popping, Rumbling, or Banging Noises

This is extremely common in Texas due to hard water.

Those noises usually mean:

• Sediment has hardened at the bottom of the tank

• Water is trapped under buildup and boiling through it

• The tank is overheating internally

Left unchecked, this shortens the life of the tank dramatically.

3. Inconsistent Water Temperature

If your hot water goes from hot → warm → cold → hot again, something isn’t right.

Possible causes include:

• Failing thermostat

• Worn heating element

• Gas control valve issues

These problems tend to show up during colder months when demand is highest.

4. Rusty or Discolored Hot Water

If you notice brown, orange, or rusty-looking water only from the hot side, it often means:

• The anode rod is depleted

• The tank interior is beginning to corrode

This is a time-sensitive issue — once internal rust starts, replacement is usually not far behind.

5. Water Around the Base of the Heater

Even small amounts of moisture can be a sign of:

• Internal tank failure

• A pressure relief valve problem

• Thermal expansion stress from cold weather

A leaking tank cannot be repaired — catching it early can prevent flooding and water damage.

Why Store-Bought “Fixes” Don’t Solve Water Heater Problems

We understand the temptation to ignore it or hope it resolves itself.

But water heaters don’t “get better” on their own.

Quick fixes often:

• Mask the real issue

• Increase internal damage

• Lead to sudden, complete failure

Professional inspection allows us to:

• Check heating elements or burners

• Measure sediment buildup

• Test safety components

• Determine whether repair or replacement makes sense

  
  

Repair vs. Replacement: How We Help Homeowners Decide

Not every issue means you need a new water heater.

A repair may be enough if:

• The unit is under 8–10 years old

• The tank is structurally sound

• The issue is a thermostat, element, or valve

A replacement is usually smarter if:

• The tank is leaking or corroded

• Repairs are stacking up

• The unit is inefficient or undersized

• You’re running out of hot water regularly

Our goal is always to give homeowners clear options, not pressure.

Why January Is the Best Time to Address Water Heater Issues

Every winter, we hear:

“It worked fine until it suddenly didn’t.”

Cold weather doesn’t cause failures — it exposes weak systems.

Handling issues now means:

• Avoiding emergency breakdowns

• Preventing water damage

• Extending the life of your system

• Having consistent hot water when you need it most

  
  

Final Thoughts: Don’t Wait for Cold Showers to Make the Decision

Water heater problems rarely show up at a convenient time.

They happen:

• First thing in the morning

• When guests are visiting

• During cold snaps

• Right before work or school

If your water heater is making noise, struggling to keep up, or showing any of the signs above, getting it checked now is the smart move.

If you have questions or want peace of mind, we’re here to help.

Jensen Plumbing LLC

Done Right the First Time, Every Time.

📍 Denton • Flower Mound • Lantana • Lewisville

📞 Call/Text: 214-287-0445

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