Plumbing FAQ for Smyrna, Georgia Homeowners – Smyrna Plumbing Pros

We created this FAQ page because the same questions come up on almost every call we take from Smyrna homeowners. Whether someone is trying to decide if a situation is an emergency, wondering whether to repair or replace a failing water heater, or trying to understand why the water pressure in their older home has been declining for years, we hear those questions weekly. Smyrna Plumbing Pros has been serving homeowners throughout Smyrna and the surrounding communities of Vinings, Mableton, Marietta, Austell, and Powder Springs, and the questions below come directly from the calls and conversations we have had with real Smyrna homeowners. We handle drain cleaning, water heater repair and installation, tankless water heater work, pipe repair and whole-house repiping, water line repair and replacement, fixture installation, garbage disposal repair and installation, gas line repair and installation, slab leak detection and repair, and 24-hour emergency plumbing. Smyrna has a mix of older homes with aging pipe systems and newer construction, and both produce their own set of questions. We have tried to answer each one the way we would explain it to a neighbor, practically and without unnecessary jargon. If your specific question is not covered here, reach out and we will help.

General Plumbing Questions in Smyrna

How do I know if I should call a plumber or try to fix the problem myself?

If the problem involves a pressurized supply line, a gas connection, buried utility lines, or anything inside a wall or under a slab, call a plumber. Tasks like swapping a showerhead, replacing a toilet flapper, or reconnecting a P-trap under the sink are reasonable DIY territory. Anything beyond those low-stakes tasks in a Smyrna home, especially in older homes where corroded fittings and brittle pipe joints can turn a simple repair into a bigger problem, is worth a professional assessment before you start.

What is considered a plumbing emergency in Smyrna?

A plumbing emergency is any situation where waiting causes ongoing damage, a health hazard, or the complete loss of an essential service. Burst pipes actively flooding a room, sewage backing up into living spaces, a failed water heater combined with an active tank leak, a gas line issue, and a main water line break all qualify. If you are unsure, call us and describe what you are seeing. We will give you a straight answer about whether it needs same-day attention.

Are you experienced with older homes in Smyrna?

Yes. Older homes are a central part of our Smyrna work. Homes built in the 1960s and 1970s commonly have galvanized steel supply pipes, cast iron drain stacks, and fixture connections that differ from current standards. We come to every job in an older Smyrna home with the right fittings and the awareness that what we find inside the wall may not match what a standard repair kit assumes. That preparation prevents the situations where a simple repair turns into a bigger project than it needed to be.

How do I shut off the water to my house in Smyrna?

The main water shut-off in most Smyrna homes is either at the water meter near the street, inside a utility closet where the water line enters the house, or in the crawlspace. Gate valves require multiple turns to close. Ball valves close with a quarter-turn of the handle. Knowing where yours is before an emergency is one of the most practically useful things a homeowner can do. If you call us during an emergency, we walk you through finding and using it while we are on the way.

What causes low water pressure in older Smyrna homes?

In Smyrna’s older homes, the most common cause of gradually declining pressure is interior corrosion in galvanized steel supply pipes. As the corrosion builds up on the inside of the pipe over decades, the flow channel narrows. By the time the pressure drop is obvious at the shower or kitchen faucet, the pipe interior may be severely restricted. Other causes include a partially closed main shut-off, a failing pressure regulator, aerator clogs, or a supply line leak. We isolate the source before recommending any fix.

How do I know if I have a hidden water leak in my Smyrna home?

Check your water meter when every fixture and appliance in the house is off. If the meter is still moving, there is water leaving the system somewhere. Other signs include unexplained increases in your water bill, water stains on ceilings or walls with no visible source above, a musty smell in a room without any moisture source, warm spots on a concrete floor, or soft spots in a wood floor near a wall. Any of these warrants a diagnostic visit to find where the water is going.

How soon can you come for a plumbing repair in Smyrna?

For emergencies, we aim to arrive within a few hours and are available around the clock. For non-emergency appointments, we typically have availability within one to two business days and often same day for calls made early in the morning. We give you a realistic arrival window when you schedule, not a four-hour range with no follow-up. We communicate before we show up so your day is not built around an uncertain window.

Do you service condos and apartments in Smyrna?

Yes. We work in condos and multi-unit residential properties throughout Smyrna. These properties have specific considerations including shared drain stacks, building shut-off locations that differ from single-family homes, and access requirements that vary by building. We work with both individual unit owners and property managers and are familiar with the plumbing configurations in Smyrna’s various condo and apartment developments.

What should I do before the plumber arrives in Smyrna?

If there is active water damage, turn off the main water supply if you can locate the shut-off. Move any valuables, electronics, or rugs away from the wet area. For a sewer backup, stop all water use in the house. For a gas concern, go outside and call 911 before anything else. Clear a path to the utility room, crawlspace, or water heater so we can get to work efficiently on arrival. Taking a photo of any visible damage is also helpful for your records.

Can you do same day plumbing service in Smyrna?

Same day plumbing service is available in Smyrna for most urgent calls. We schedule same-day appointments based on current demand and dispatch availability. Calling earlier in the day improves the chance of a same-day visit. For true emergencies where active damage is occurring, we dispatch as quickly as possible regardless of the time and treat those calls as the priority they are.

Drain Cleaning and Clog FAQs in Smyrna

What is the difference between hydro jetting and snaking a drain in Smyrna?

Snaking uses a rotating cable to break through or pull out a blockage at a specific point in the drain. It is effective for solid clogs near the drain opening but does not clean the pipe walls. Hydro jetting uses high-pressure water to scour the entire interior surface of the pipe, removing grease coatings, soap scum buildup, and light root intrusion and restoring the full diameter of the line. For recurring clogs in Smyrna homes caused by grease or soap accumulation, hydro jetting produces results that last significantly longer than snaking.

Why does my kitchen drain in Smyrna keep clogging even after being snaked?

A kitchen drain that keeps backing up after snaking almost always has a grease coating on the inside of the pipe that snaking only punches through temporarily. The restriction closes again as the surrounding material shifts. We use a camera to see the actual condition of the pipe before choosing a method. When grease buildup is the cause, hydro jetting scours the pipe wall clean and the drain flows at its original capacity rather than through a temporary opening in the middle of the restriction.

Can a slow drain throughout the whole house be something other than a main line clog?

Yes. A partially obstructed vent stack, which is the vertical pipe that allows air into the drain system to prevent siphoning, causes whole-house slow draining that closely mimics a main line blockage. Vent stacks can be blocked by debris, nesting animals, or a collapsed pipe section. We include vent stack evaluation when the whole-home slow drain pattern does not point clearly to a main line issue during camera inspection. Getting the diagnosis right the first time prevents a repeat service call for the same problem.

What should I avoid putting down drains in my Smyrna home?

In the kitchen, avoid cooking grease or oil, coffee grounds, fibrous vegetables like celery, and starchy foods like pasta or potato peels. These either solidify in the pipe, create dense buildup, or combine with water into a paste that restricts flow over time. In the bathroom, avoid wet wipes, cotton pads, and paper towels even if labeled flushable. In the toilet, only human waste and toilet paper should go down. These guidelines prevent the majority of the drain calls we handle in Smyrna kitchens and bathrooms.

How do you handle tree root intrusion in Smyrna sewer lines?

Tree root intrusion requires a different approach than a standard clog. We start with a camera inspection to confirm roots are present, assess how much of the line is affected, and evaluate the pipe structural condition around the intrusion. Clearing involves mechanical root cutting combined with hydro jetting to remove the root mass and flush debris. After clearing, we run the camera through again to confirm full flow and to check for structural damage at the entry points that would allow re-intrusion. This is common in Smyrna neighborhoods with established landscaping near the sewer line path.

Do you handle emergency drain cleaning in Smyrna?

Yes. Emergency drain cleaning is available in Smyrna around the clock. A backed-up main sewer line, a toilet overflowing with no way to stop it, or a kitchen drain that has made the room unusable are situations we respond to urgently. We dispatch quickly and arrive with the equipment to handle main line backups, severe toilet clogs, and full drain stoppages in a single visit. We confirm flow through the entire system before we leave.

Is it normal for drains to slow down more in cold weather in Smyrna?

Grease buildup in kitchen drain lines is affected by temperature. Cooking grease that stays partly fluid when warm solidifies in the cooler sections of the pipe during Georgia’s cold months, which can cause a drain that was marginal in summer to become slow or blocked in winter. If your kitchen drain consistently gets worse during cold periods, grease accumulation in the pipe is almost certainly the cause. Hydro jetting during a service visit eliminates the buildup rather than temporarily managing it.

Water Heater Repair and Installation FAQs in Smyrna

When should I call for no hot water in my Smyrna home?

Call us as soon as the problem is confirmed rather than waiting to see if it resolves on its own. A gas water heater with a pilot light that went out can be relit following the manufacturer’s instructions, but if relighting does not work or the pilot goes out again, that is a service call. An electric water heater that has lost all hot water with a tripped breaker may reset once, but if the breaker trips again, do not reset it a second time. Call us. Any unit that is also leaking needs immediate attention regardless of the hot water situation.

Signs my water heater needs replacement in Smyrna?

The clearest replacement signals are a tank leaking from the body or bottom seam, which indicates an internal failure that cannot be repaired; a unit over ten years old that has required more than one repair in the past year; rust-colored hot water that persists after flushing; and heating times that have become noticeably longer while recovery has gotten shorter. Hard water in the Smyrna area accelerates internal corrosion and sediment accumulation, so tank units here sometimes reach these signs before the typical timeline suggests.

How much does water heater replacement cost in Smyrna?

The total depends on the type of unit being installed, the size, whether it is a traditional tank or a tankless system, and what associated work is required, such as gas line adjustments, new venting, or an expansion tank. We assess the full scope during the diagnostic visit and explain everything involved before any work begins. Tankless conversions typically involve more associated work than like-for-like tank replacements, and we walk homeowners through the full picture so the decision is made with accurate information.

Do you install tankless water heaters in Smyrna?

Yes. Tankless water heater installation in Smyrna is a regular part of our work. We handle the complete installation, including gas line sizing for the higher BTU demand of tankless units, the two-pipe direct venting most tankless units require, electrical connections where applicable, and unit programming. For homeowners converting from a tank system, we assess the existing gas supply and venting during a diagnostic visit before any commitment to confirm what the conversion actually involves.

What causes a water heater to make loud popping or rumbling sounds?

Loud popping or rumbling sounds during the heating cycle are almost always caused by sediment accumulation at the bottom of the tank. In Smyrna, mineral content in the water accelerates sediment buildup, particularly in units that have not been flushed regularly. As water heats beneath a layer of hardened mineral deposits, it forces through the sediment and creates those sounds. Sediment flushing can resolve this in units that are otherwise in good condition. In units with years of accumulated sediment, the tank lining may already be affected and flushing provides only temporary improvement.

How long does water heater installation take in Smyrna?

A standard tank water heater replacement in Smyrna typically takes two to three hours from arrival to finish. Tankless installations take longer, usually most of a day, depending on how much gas line and venting work is involved. We give you a realistic time estimate when we schedule the job so you know what to plan for. For replacement calls where we are bringing the new unit, we come prepared with the right tank size based on the information you share when you call.

What should I do if my water heater is leaking in Smyrna?

Identify where the leak is coming from. A leak at the top of the unit at supply line connections or fittings is often a repair. A leak from the pressure relief valve may indicate overpressure that needs investigation. A leak from the bottom of the tank, at the tank body or seam, indicates an internal failure and means the tank needs to be replaced. Turn off the cold water supply line at the top of the unit if you can access it safely, switch off the gas valve or circuit breaker for the unit, and contact us.

Can you do same day water heater repair in Smyrna?

Same day water heater repair is available in Smyrna in most cases. We treat no-hot-water calls as urgent because a household without hot water cannot function normally, especially with children or elderly family members present. We come prepared with common repair components on the truck and carry standard tank sizes for replacement visits so we are not making a second trip for parts when the first visit could have resolved the situation completely.

What is the difference between a tank water heater and a tankless water heater?

A tank water heater stores a fixed volume of hot water and keeps it heated continuously. A tankless unit heats water on demand as it flows through, using energy only when hot water is actually needed. Tankless units typically last longer, never produce a finite amount of hot water before running out, and cost less to operate over time. They have a higher upfront installation cost and may require gas line or venting upgrades. We help Smyrna homeowners evaluate both options based on their household size and usage patterns.

Should I repair or replace my water heater in Smyrna?

Repair makes sense when the unit is under eight or nine years old, the problem is isolated to a single replaceable component, and the tank itself is in good condition. Replacement makes more sense when the unit is ten or more years old and showing declining performance, when the tank is leaking at the body, when repairs have been made more than once in the past year, or when the repair cost approaches half the cost of a new unit. We give you a direct recommendation based on what we find during the diagnostic visit.

Pipe Repair, Repiping and Water Line FAQs in Smyrna

What should I do for a burst pipe in my Smyrna home?

Turn off the main water supply to the house immediately to stop the flooding. The shut-off is typically at the meter near the street, in the crawlspace, or in a utility area where the supply line enters the home. If you cannot find it, call us and we will walk you through it while we are on the way. Move any electronics, valuables, or furniture out of the wet area. Do not attempt to cap or tape a burst pipe under pressure. Contact us and we will respond as quickly as possible for burst pipe emergency repair in Smyrna.

How do you detect a slab leak in Smyrna?

We start with pressure testing to confirm a leak is present and isolate which pipe run is affected. From there, acoustic detection equipment lets us listen for the sound of water escaping under pressure through the concrete to narrow the location without unnecessary cutting. Once we have a precise location, we evaluate repair options including direct slab access at the break, rerouting the supply line through the walls or attic to bypass the slab, or epoxy lining of the interior pipe surface. We discuss all options with specific evidence from the diagnostic before recommending one.

Do you offer repiping for older homes in Smyrna?

Yes. Repiping older homes in Smyrna is a significant part of our work. Homes with original galvanized steel supply pipes from the 1960s and 1970s are the most common candidates because galvanized pipe corrodes from the inside out, producing declining pressure, rust-colored water, and recurring pinhole leaks as the system ages progressively. We use PEX pipe for most repiping projects, plan the work to minimize wall disruption, and maintain water service to the home throughout the project. The result is restored pressure, cleaner water, and the end of a repair cycle.

What causes rust-colored water in Smyrna homes?

Rust-colored water from the hot tap is almost always coming from the inside of an aging tank water heater, from a deteriorating anode rod that is no longer protecting the tank interior, or from corrosion inside galvanized supply pipes. Water that is discolored on both the hot and cold side suggests a supply line issue rather than the water heater. We isolate the source before recommending a fix, because treating the water heater when the pipes are the cause, or vice versa, does not solve the problem.

What is PEX pipe and why is it used for repiping in Smyrna?

PEX is a flexible cross-linked polyethylene pipe that has become the standard for residential supply line repiping. It is durable, corrosion-resistant, freeze-tolerant, and flexible enough to route through existing wall cavities with fewer penetrations than rigid copper, which reduces the wall disruption during a repiping project in a finished home. It is also resistant to the scale buildup that affects copper in Smyrna’s mineral-heavy water. PEX installation in Smyrna homes delivers improved pressure, better water quality, and a supply system that is expected to last for decades.

Can you fix a leaking pipe in a wall without tearing out the whole wall?

In most cases, yes. We use pressure testing and acoustic detection to locate the leak accurately before opening any drywall. That precision lets us make a targeted access cut at the right location rather than opening a large section searching for the source. The size of the opening depends on where the pipe is and what the repair requires, but we work to make the smallest practical access that gives us what we need. We also assess the surrounding pipe condition while the wall is open so related issues are identified at the same time.

How do water line leaks under the yard usually start in Smyrna?

Main water line leaks under yards in Smyrna typically start from one of three causes: tree root growth that has cracked or crushed the pipe over time, joint failures in older galvanized or copper lines as the pipe material ages, or soil movement from Cobb County’s clay-heavy soil that shifts seasonally and stresses underground pipe connections. The first visible sign is often a soft or wet area in the yard during a dry period, or a water bill that has increased without any change in household habits.

What happens if I ignore a small pipe leak in my Smyrna home?

A small pipe leak that is ignored inside a wall or ceiling continues to introduce moisture into structural materials every day it runs. Wood framing, drywall, insulation, and subfloor materials all absorb water and begin to deteriorate. Mold can develop within twenty-four to forty-eight hours in a wet environment and spreads through porous materials quickly. What starts as a minor pipe repair can become a project that involves mold remediation, structural repair, and significant reconstruction of the finished surfaces around it if the leak runs long enough without attention.

Garbage Disposal Repair and Installation FAQs in Smyrna

How do you fix a jammed garbage disposal in Smyrna?

We disconnect the power completely, then use a hex wrench in the center port on the bottom of the disposal to manually rotate the impeller plate and free it from whatever is blocking it. We remove the blocking object or debris from the grinding chamber with the appropriate tool, restore power, reset the unit, and run it through several cycles to confirm it is operating correctly. We also check the drain line below the disposal to make sure nothing backed up during the jam. Most jams in Smyrna kitchens are resolved the same visit.

What should I do if my garbage disposal is humming but not spinning?

A humming disposal is jammed. The motor is getting power but the impeller plate is locked in place by an object or debris in the grinding chamber. Turn off the switch immediately. Running a jammed disposal strains the motor and can burn it out if it continues. Do not put your hand into the chamber. Try pressing the reset button on the bottom of the unit once it has cooled, but if the jam has not been cleared mechanically, it will jam again as soon as the motor starts. Call us and we will clear it properly.

When should I replace my garbage disposal in Smyrna instead of repairing it?

Replace when the unit is leaking from the bottom of the housing, which indicates an internal seal failure that cannot be repaired. Also replace when the unit is over ten years old and has needed multiple service calls in the past year, when the reset button trips repeatedly under normal use, when grinding performance has declined significantly, or when the same component has failed more than once. In Smyrna kitchens where disposals have been running for a decade or more with heavy use, replacement is often the more practical investment than continued repair.

Do you install garbage disposals in Smyrna condos?

Yes. We handle garbage disposal installation in condos throughout Smyrna. Condo installations sometimes involve specific drain stack configurations or building shut-off requirements that differ from single-family homes, and we are familiar with those setups. We work with both individual unit owners and property managers for disposal repair and replacement calls in Smyrna multi-unit properties.

What should I avoid putting in my garbage disposal?

Avoid fibrous vegetables like celery and corn husks, which wrap around the impeller and cause jams. Avoid starchy foods like potato peels and pasta, which expand with water and create thick paste that clogs the drain line below the disposal. Cooking grease and oil should never go down any drain, including through the disposal. Coffee grounds, large bones, and eggshells are also hard on the grinding mechanism. Keeping these out of the disposal prevents the majority of the repair calls we handle in Smyrna kitchens.

What is the difference between a continuous feed and batch feed disposal?

A continuous feed disposal runs while the wall switch is on, which suits active cooking and cleanup situations. A batch feed disposal requires inserting and turning a magnetic stopper to activate it, which provides added safety around young children because the chamber is covered during operation. Both types come in a range of motor sizes. A household that cooks frequently benefits from a three-quarter or one-horsepower motor regardless of the feed type. We help Smyrna homeowners choose based on their specific kitchen use and household situation.

Plumbing Fixture Installation and Repair FAQs in Smyrna

How do I know when to replace a faucet versus repairing it in Smyrna?

Repair makes sense when the faucet is relatively new and the problem is isolated to a single component like a cartridge, seat washer, or O-ring. Replace when the faucet is older than twelve to fifteen years and internal parts are no longer available for the model, when the fixture body is corroding or cracked, when multiple components are failing at the same time, or when a repair cost approaches a significant fraction of a new quality faucet. Multiple simultaneous failure signs on an older fixture almost always point to replacement as the better investment.

Do you install high efficiency toilets in Smyrna?

Yes. High-efficiency toilet installation in Smyrna is a regular service call for us, both as part of bathroom renovations and as a standalone fixture upgrade. We install dual-flush models, WaterSense-rated single-flush toilets, and comfort-height configurations. We verify the rough-in dimension before the visit and bring the appropriate toilet. Full installation includes removing the old unit, inspecting the flange and subfloor, installing with the correct wax ring or gasket seal, and confirming the toilet flushes and fills correctly before we leave.

How soon can you come for shower valve replacement in Smyrna?

For urgent situations where a shower valve is stuck or has made the shower unusable, we work to schedule a same-day visit in Smyrna when possible. For planned shower valve replacement as part of a bathroom update, we typically have availability within a day or two. Shower valve replacement involves opening the wall to access the valve body, so we confirm the access situation during the appointment scheduling so we arrive with the right materials and the correct valve configuration for the job.

Can you install a new kitchen sink in Smyrna as part of a renovation?

Yes. Kitchen sink installation during a renovation is work we coordinate with countertop and cabinet work regularly in Smyrna. We handle the full plumbing side of the installation, including the faucet, drain assembly, garbage disposal connection, and supply lines. We confirm the drain location relative to the new sink configuration before countertop work is finalized when possible, which prevents the situation where the rough-in and the new sink do not align correctly and the countertop has to be modified after installation.

What plumbing fixture upgrades are most useful in older Smyrna homes?

The upgrades that provide the most practical benefit in older Smyrna homes are high-efficiency toilets that use significantly less water per flush than models from the 1990s and earlier, pressure-balancing shower valves that prevent sudden temperature swings when other fixtures are used, and new supply shut-off valves under sinks and toilets that have not been operated in years and will fail if left unaddressed. New aerators on all faucets are a simple improvement that immediately increases effective water pressure at the fixture without changing the supply line.

Gas Line and Emergency Plumbing FAQs in Smyrna

What should I do if I smell gas in my Smyrna home?

If you smell gas or suspect a gas leak, go outside immediately and call 911 – this is a serious emergency that needs urgent attention from the gas company. Do not turn any electrical switches on or off on your way out, and do not use your phone inside the house. Leave the front door open as you exit. Once the gas company has confirmed the area is safe, we handle any repairs to the gas line or appliance connections that are needed afterward.

Do you repair gas lines in Smyrna?

Yes. Gas line repair and installation in Smyrna is part of what we do. We repair leaks in existing gas lines, replace corroded or outdated fittings, and install new supply lines for gas appliances including stoves, dryers, water heaters, and outdoor gas features. We pressure test every completed gas line job before any connected appliance is used to confirm there are no leaks at any connection point. Gas line safety in Smyrna homes is not something we approach casually, and every repair is followed by a complete pressure verification.

Can you install a gas line for a new stove or outdoor kitchen in Smyrna?

Yes. New gas line installation for appliances in Smyrna is a common service call. Running a new gas supply line involves sizing the line correctly for the appliance BTU requirement, routing it from the nearest supply connection with the correct fittings, supporting it properly along the run, and pressure testing the completed line before connecting the appliance. We also verify that the existing supply at the connection point can support the additional load without reducing pressure at other appliances in the home.

How fast can an emergency plumber arrive in Smyrna?

For emergency plumbing in Smyrna, we aim to arrive within a few hours of your call. Traffic and current call volume affect exact response time, but we treat burst pipes, active flooding, sewage backups, and water heater failures as the priority situations they are and dispatch as quickly as possible. We also stay in contact with you about our arrival time so you are not left wondering when help is coming. For any situation where water is actively causing damage, we help you stop the flow while we are on the way.

What do I do about overflowing toilet emergency in Smyrna?

Reach into the toilet tank and push the flapper down to stop water from continuing to flow into the bowl. If that does not stop the overflow, turn off the supply valve behind the base of the toilet. If that valve will not turn, shut off the main water supply to the house. Do not keep flushing to try to clear the blockage. If the toilet is overflowing because of a main line backup rather than an individual clog, running more water into the system makes the situation worse. Call us and we will respond as quickly as possible for urgent toilet repair in Smyrna.

Do you handle gas line emergencies in Smyrna?

After the gas company has made the area safe following a gas leak, yes. We repair the gas line damage, replace failed components, and pressure test all connections before gas flow is restored. If you smell gas or suspect a gas leak, go outside immediately and call 911 – this is a serious emergency that needs urgent attention from the gas company. We step in after emergency services have addressed the immediate safety situation to make the plumbing repairs that restore safe operation.

Is it dangerous to wait to fix a small gas line leak in Smyrna?

Yes. Even a very slow gas leak accumulates in enclosed spaces and creates a potentially explosive concentration over time. There is no safe threshold for delaying a gas leak repair. If you detect any gas odor near an appliance or gas line connection, treat it as the emergency it is. Do not assume a small leak is acceptable because it is not large enough to smell strongly. If you smell gas or suspect a gas leak, go outside immediately and call 911 – this is a serious emergency that needs urgent attention from the gas company.

What plumbing problems are most common in Smyrna during winter?

During Georgia winters, particularly during extended below-freezing periods, frozen pipe repair calls increase in Smyrna, especially in homes with pipes in crawlspaces, garages, or exterior walls that are not well insulated. Water heater failures also become more noticeable in cold weather because the incoming water temperature is lower and the unit works harder to reach the set temperature. Gas water heater pilot light issues can also increase in cold weather if the draft near the water heater changes during cold outdoor conditions.