Why Is Your Sugar Land Water Heater Failing in the Summer?

Heat and hot water are probably the last things on your mind during the summer months in Texas. Yet the team at Doug Turner Plumbing frequently gets water heater requests in Sugar Land. If you’ve noticed inconsistent hot water, strange noises, or frequent breakdowns, you’re not alone. Understanding why your water heater struggles in the summer can help you protect your system and your home. Read this blog from our Sugar Land plumbers to learn more.

Summer Demands Different Water Usage

It may seem like the summer heat should mean less demand on your water supply. In reality, it can increase the strain. The kids are home from school, you may have company visiting, endless loads of laundry are going, and there are extra hot showers after a swim. The ongoing demand means your water heater in Sugar Land is working harder than you think. If your unit is already aging or overdue for service, the added stress can quickly lead to a full water heater failure.

Common Causes of Summer Water Heater Failures

Here are some of the most common causes of summer water heater failures we see in Sugar Land.

1) Sediment Buildup

Hard water is a common problem in our region, where minerals settle at the bottom of our tanks. When usage increases over the season, the heater has to work harder than ever to push water through all of the buildup and out of your faucets. Sediment reduces your water heater’s efficiency, creates noise, and can damage your tank, fixtures, and appliances. Investing in routine flushing from professional Sugar Land TX plumbers keeps the problem under control.

Higher Incoming Water Temperature

Supply lines run through the ground and it makes sense that incoming water in summer is naturally hotter. That sounds like a bonus, but the uneven heating can confuse older thermostats. If you notice your water is too hot one day, lukewarm the next, and chilly another, you may need an adjustment or a water heater repair in Sugar Land, TX.

Overworked Units

Summer showers, laundry, guests, and cleaning can mean your water heater is working overtime or is too small for your household’s current needs. Running out of hot water repeatedly is a sign that your current system is struggling to keep up. If it becomes too taxed, a new water heater installation in Sugar Land, TX may be the best solution for your household. We work on both traditional and tankless water heater systems.

Failing Parts

Water heaters run on electrical elements, thermostats, and pilot assemblies. If your unit is older, they’re more likely to fail when they’re pushed to their limits. A small breakdown during the demanding summer months can quickly turn into a major failure. Giving our Sugar Land plumbing team a call right away can help catch the issue before it spirals out of control and get on top of the problem. 

Pressure Problems and Expansion Tanks

Water pressure problems are also overlooked. As water heats up during the summer and puts pressure on your water heater, it expands. In the summer, that expansion happens faster and more often. But if your water heater doesn’t have an expansion tank, that pressure has nowhere to go and can result in leaky fittings, stress on the tank, or the temperature-and-pressure (T&P) valve releasing unexpectedly.

Warning Signs Your Water Heater Is in Trouble

Not sure if your water heater is in trouble? Keep an eye out for these red flags:

• Water takes longer to heat or runs cold too quickly
• Rumbling or popping noises from the tank
• Rusty or discolored water from hot taps
• Leaks or moisture around the base of the heater
• Inconsistent water temperature during back-to-back showers

Noticing any of these signs? Schedule water heater repair in Sugar Land before the problem escalates!

Repair or Replace: Which Is Right for You?

Our customers frequently ask us whether or not to repair or replace a struggling water heater. As a rule of thumb, if your water heater is more than 10 years old or requires frequent service, replacement is usually more cost-effective. Professional water heater installation in Sugar Land provides a fresh start with modern, energy-efficient models that save money on utility bills and deliver steady hot water.

But if your unit is newer and the problem is a one-time event? A water heater repair in Sugar Land is probably the right choice to get it going.

Call Our Sugar Land Plumbing Team for Water Heater Repairs

Don’t let hot water problems ruin your summer. Whether you need fast water heater repair in Sugar Land or a complete water heater installation, the team at Doug Turner Plumbing will get the job done right. We offer dependable plumbing services in Sugar Land, TX to keep your water heater up and running. Schedule your appointment today!