Why Is My Water Heater Failing in the Summer?

Did your DFW water heater suddenly stop working during the summer months? It’s a more common problem than you might think. The team at DNA Plumbing has seen a spike in water heater service calls across Plano and the wider DFW Metroplex, especially for units stored in homeowners’ attics. 

It’s easy to assume that water heaters only fail when temperatures drop below freezing, but hot weather can also cause serious damage. Our Plano plumbers are here to break down why your water heater might break down and struggle through the hottest summer months, why attic placement matters, and what you can do to prevent it from failing again.

Is Summer Heat Suffocating Your Pilot Light?

In the Dallas metroplex, many homes have their DFW water heaters tucked away in their attics, out of sight and out of mind. It seems like a convenient spot, but when the summer season hits, your attic can easily hit temperatures above the 140°F mark. The extreme heat could seem like it would actually keep your water warmer, but in reality it could create the perfect conditions to make your unit fail. 

One of the biggest issues we see at DNA Plumbing is that the pilot lights will go out due to a lack of oxygen. Here’s what we see happening:

• Water heaters with standing pilots need fresh air to burn properly.
• When the attic becomes superheated and poorly ventilated, the oxygen levels drop.
• Without enough air, the flame can’t stay lit and your water heater shuts down.
• Your hot water goes out, especially when you need it the most. 

If your pilot light keeps going out in the summer and your water heater is located in the attic, you likely need additional air intake or attic ventilation. The team at DNA Plumbing can come out to assess your setup to restore your water heater safely and get it up and operational—even during the peak of the summer heat.

Other Reasons Your DFW Water Heater Might Struggle During the Summer Season

Although attic placement is a common cause, it’s not the only thing that can send your water heater into a meltdown. Here are a few other water heater repairs we regularly service in the DFW and Plano area. 

1. Thermal Expansion

When water heats up, it also expands. If your home doesn’t have an expansion tank installed, the pressure can rise in your plumbing system and quickly damage your unit or even trigger your T&P valve to unexpectedly release hot water. 

2. Sediment Buildup

DFW water contains a high mineral content, and over time, you’ll see its sediment build up inside your tank. The team at DNA Plumbing observes that the sediment builds up, creating an insulation layer between the burner and the water, which forces the system to work harder than necessary and causes your unit to wear out sooner than it should.

3. Worn-Out Components

Summer stress combined with years of wear and tear on your unit can put your water heater past its limits. If your tank is older and already has rusty parts, has a weak thermostat, or has a failing valve, it can give up and break down when you need it the most.

Avoid DIY Fixes

We know it’s tempting to try relighting your pilot light or troubleshooting it yourself with a YouTube video. But in our experience, repeated failures in hot weather are usually a much bigger issue that is dangerous to try to solve as a quick DIY fix. Give us a call and we will:

• Diagnose the true cause of your summer breakdown.
• Check for ventilation issues, sediment buildup, worn parts, and system age.
• Help you decide whether a repair or full replacement is the smarter, more cost-effective route.
• Walk you through your upgrade options, whether it’s a standard tank or a tankless water heater in DFW that provides on-demand hot water.

Whether you have a traditional tank or a tankless unit, we also offer routine water heater maintenance to keep your system up and running at its best all year long. 

When It’s Time for Water Heater Replacement

Sometimes your unit doesn’t need a repair and the red flags are actually a sign that it’s time for a water heater replacement. If your water heaters are over 10 years old, leaking, or constantly failing, it may be time for an upgrade and replacement. We’ll help you find the right size and unit based on your preferences and budget. 

The team at DNA Plumbing has expert recommendations on the right high-efficiency unit with all of the professional fittings, proper attic ventilation (if needed), and manufacturer-backed warranties you need for your home. We’ll get you a water heater installation that’s built to last, and we’ll be here if you ever need help again.

Don’t Let Summer Steal Your Hot Water

Whether you keep your water heater in the attic or garage, don’t let the stress of summer push it past its limit. You deserve hot, reliable water all year long. There’s no reason to put up with lukewarm water, pilot light issues, or strange sounds coming from the tank. 

Call the team at DNA Plumbing today for professional repair, maintenance, or replacement of your water heater in Plano and the DFW Metroplex. We’ll get you back up and running quickly with honest, no-pressure advice and answers with dependable service you can count on. Schedule your appointment today!