Based on your location, mild weather or harsh cold may be ordinary this winter. Regardless, your water heater works harder when the temperature drops outside the house. This makes many people ask the question — can water heaters freeze?
While relatively rare, it's certainly not impossible for a water heater to freeze. The primary concern is that any standing water inside the tank or tankless unit will freeze and expand, destroying the appliance at the same time. If this happens, you may have few options but to replace the water heater.
Now, it’s worth mentioning that modern water heaters are built to remain operational regardless of how cold it gets outside. Still, it never hurts to take safeguards if sub-zero temperatures are in the forecast, even more so if your water heater is placed outside.
Drain the Water Heater
Before departing on an extended getaway this winter, think about bleeding out the water heater to prevent a plumbing crisis while you’re away. You can also drain the tank if the power goes out to avoid possible freezing. For added protection, you may want to install a freeze protection solenoid valve, which opens instantly and drains the water heater during a power outage.
Here’s how to accomplish this task yourself:
- Turn off the cold-water supply valve, gas supply valve, and temperature control knob.
- Flip the circuit breaker providing electric service to the water heater.
- Connect a hose to the drain valve or place a bucket beneath it to collect the water.
- Open the valve to create the flow of water.
- Don't stop draining until the tank is empty, then close the valve.
Let the Water Run - A Little
Think about leaving a trickle of hot water flowing from a faucet or two until the cold snap subsides. The small increase you'll likely see on your next water bill is well worth preventing a frozen water heater. This approach also helps avoid frozen and burst pipes.
Install Insulation
Plumbing insulation is very affordable and comes in a variety of forms. You can insulate your water heater tank with a special blanket to help minimize standby heat loss and deliver protection against cold weather.
Not surprisingly, pipes are more inclined to freeze than water heaters. Along with running a trickle of hot water, you can protect exposed pipes found outside or along exterior walls by wrapping them in foam insulation. It's also possible to install electric heat tape to warm the pipes above freezing point. Only certain types of heat tape are compatible with insulation, so read the product label carefully if you plan to use them together.
Put in a Hot Water Recirculation System
The main intent of this system is to push hot water to the tap quicker, reducing the wait time and reducing the volume of water that pours down the drain. A hot water recirculation system is simple, water-wise and energy-efficient. It also ensures your pipes are warmer and makes your tankless water heater less prone to freezing. These paired benefits could validate the installation cost, particularly in cold climates.
Choose a Suitable Installation Spot
Most North American homes have indoor water heaters. Nevertheless, in mild southern climates, water heaters are occasionally installed in the garage or even outside. While this practice is perfectly safe most of the time, the occasional deep freeze can have negative effects on outdoor water heaters. Consequently, you should demand that your next water heater be installed inside, or at the very least in a covered spot sheltered from the wind.
Choose a Water Heater with Built-In Freeze Prevention
The majority of tankless water heaters have built-in freeze protection that works in temperatures down to -22 degrees F. Don't buy a tankless water heater without this feature, especially if the only choice is to install it outside.
Different brands use different freeze-prevention methods. Many have an electric element that provides an adequate amount of heat to protect against internal freezing. Others spark the gas burners to warm a small amount of water and, in short, keep the tankless cabinet frost-free.
Whatever the method, water heater freeze protection is only effective when turned on. First, check the unit to make sure this feature is activated. Then, for protection during a power failure, think about purchasing a small portable generator, whole-home standby generator, or battery backup power supply for your tankless water heater.
Schedule Water Heater Services
For more information about your pipes or water heater possibly freezing this winter, turn to Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning. Our well-trained plumbers can accomplish any water heater repair or replacement you need. We can also suggest steps to help your pipes and plumbing appliances last longer in any weather. For more information or to arrange a visit, please contact a Service Experts office near you today.