When the summer sun is shining, your water heater is probably the last thing on your mind—until something goes wrong. At SoCo Heating and Cooling, we know that even in warm months, your water heater plays a critical role in daily comfort. From refreshing showers after a hike to cleaning up after a backyard BBQ, water heaters in Colorado Springs need to stay reliable all year round. That’s why staying ahead of maintenance is one of the smartest things you can do for your home this summer.
Here are four of the most common summer water heater issues we see—and how to know when it’s time to call in the pros.
1. Lukewarm or Inconsistent Water Temperature
Think your water heater should be off-duty in the summer? Not quite. Your household still depends on it for everything from showers to dishwashing. If your water suddenly feels lukewarm or changes temperature mid-shower, it could be due to sediment buildup inside the tank. Summer storms can stir up minerals in your water supply, which settle and create a layer of gunk at the bottom of your tank. This forces your heater to work harder and perform worse.
Regular flushing helps, but if it’s been a while or you’ve noticed a consistent drop in temperature, we recommend scheduling a maintenance check.
2. Strange Noises Coming From the Tank
Popping, rumbling, or banging noises in the middle of a quiet summer night? No, your house isn’t haunted—it’s likely your water heater. These sounds often point to that same mineral buildup mentioned earlier. When heat rises through hardened sediment, it creates pockets of steam that “pop” or rumble as they escape.
Left untreated, these noises aren’t just annoying—they can shorten your water heater’s lifespan. If your water heater is getting loud, it’s time to take action.
3. Hot Water Running Out Too Fast
Is your water heater suddenly struggling to keep up with your family’s summer routines? Whether it’s the kids taking extra-long post-pool showers or guests visiting for vacation, your system might be overtaxed. Water heaters can also lose efficiency in warmer weather due to increased demand and ambient temperatures messing with their internal sensors.
If your hot water disappears faster than usual, it may be time to inspect your unit’s thermostat, heating element, or capacity limits.
4. Pilot Light or Power Issues
Summer storms in Colorado Springs can bring lightning and power outages. If your gas water heater’s pilot light goes out or your electric unit refuses to turn back on, you could be looking at a tripped breaker, a faulty thermocouple, or a ventilation issue. It’s tempting to DIY, but messing with gas lines or internal wiring can be dangerous.
We’re here to take the stress out of the situation with fast, friendly, and reliable service. Let a licensed technician diagnose and fix the issue safely—your comfort (and safety) depend on it.
A functioning water heater keeps summer running smoothly, even if it works quietly in the background. Don’t wait until it fails to give it some attention.
Contact SoCo Heating and Cooling today to schedule service. So Cool. So Cozy.