Water Heater Not Working? 5 Fixes Before Michigan Winter

When Michigan’s temperatures start to drop, the last thing any homeowner wants is a cold shower. Your water heater quietly works year-round, but the strain of freezing weather can push it to its limit. If your water heater isn’t working properly — or you’re worried it might fail when you need it most — now is the time to take action.

Friendly Pro Services is a family-owned plumbing team in Warren and Royal Oak. We want to share the common reasons why water heaters fail. We will also explain when to call a professional and how to prevent costly problems this winter.

If your water heater suddenly stops producing hot water, the problem may be with the pilot light (for gas models) or heating element (for electric units).

Before you relight a pilot, make sure there’s no smell of gas. If you detect any, turn off the gas supply and call a licensed technician immediately. The water heater repair experts at Friendly Pro Services can inspect, fix, or relight your unit on the same day. This keeps your home warm and safe.

Michigan’s hard water can wreak havoc on your plumbing system. Over time, minerals settle at the bottom of your water heater tank, forming a sediment layer that blocks heat transfer. You might notice rumbling or popping sounds, or that it takes longer for your water to heat up.

That buildup forces your water heater to work harder, which means higher utility bills and a shorter lifespan. The solution is simple: schedule a professional tank flush once a year. This maintenance step removes mineral deposits, restores efficiency, and helps ensure reliable hot water — especially during the cold months.

If you’ve got no hot water in the house, sediment buildup could be the cause. A quick inspection can reveal whether a cleaning or repair is needed.

Is your water too hot one minute and lukewarm the next? Inconsistent temperatures often point to a faulty thermostat or heating control issue. Over time, sensors can degrade or lose calibration, especially in older systems.

A pre-winter performance check can ensure your thermostat is set correctly. It also checks that all electrical parts are working well. Addressing these problems early keeps your system running efficiently and prevents mid-winter surprises.

Friendly Pro’s technicians can quickly find thermostat problems. They also do gas water heater maintenance. This keeps your system ready for Michigan’s coldest days.

Rusty water, metallic smells, or puddles near your water heater are warning signs that shouldn’t be ignored. These usually point to corrosion inside the tank, failing valves, or worn-out fittings.

Even small leaks can cause significant water damage or lead to tank failure. That’s why it’s important to act quickly. At Friendly Pro Services, we provide emergency plumbing repair 24/7. We serve Warren, Royal Oak, and nearby areas, even on evenings and holidays.

If your water heater cannot be fixed, our experts can suggest eco-friendly and energy-efficient replacements. These options will fit your home and budget. Every installation comes with transparent pricing and no hidden fees.

Most traditional water heaters last 10–12 years. Once they age past that point, efficiency drops, and the risk of breakdowns rises. Older units often work harder to deliver less hot water, driving up your energy bills.

Upgrading to a newer, energy-efficient system can significantly reduce your monthly costs while improving reliability and safety. The team at Friendly Pro Services can help you with your Royal Oak water heater repair. They also offer same-day installation.

Routine water heater inspection and maintenance are essential for performance, safety, and peace of mind. During an annual tune-up, Friendly Pro’s licensed technicians inspect:

We check for gas leaks to stop carbon monoxide exposure. This helps keep your home safe.

Annual inspections help your water heater run well. They also prevent unexpected breakdowns during Michigan’s toughest months.

Some water heater problems simply can’t wait. Call for emergency help if you notice:

Friendly Pro Services provides emergency help 24/7. You will never be without heat or hot water when you need it most.

A five-minute test now can save you from an icy surprise later:

If anything seems off, it’s time to schedule a pre-winter inspection. A Friendly Pro technician can address small issues before they become major — saving you time, money, and stress.

 Answer: For Michigan homes with hard water, flush it once a year to remove sediment and improve efficiency.

 Answer: Set it to 120°F (49°C) — hot enough for comfort and sanitation, but safe from scalding.

 Answer: Your water heater might be overworking because of sediment buildup or a failing thermostat. Maintenance can correct this quickly.

 Answer: If your unit is over 10 years old, leaking, or rusting, replacement is usually the best long-term investment.

Whether your water heater isn’t working or you just want to prepare for winter, Friendly Pro Services has you covered.

Don’t let a lack of hot water ruin your day — or your winter.

 

Contact  Friendly Pro Services, your Warren water heater repair experts, for fast, affordable, and friendly service today.