Dependent upon where you live, mild weather or harsh cold may be typical this winter. Either way, your water heater has to work harder when the temperature drops outside. This begs the question — can water heaters freeze?
While relatively rare, it's certainly not impossible for a water heater to freeze. The leading concern is that any standing water found in the tank or tankless unit will freeze and expand, permanently damaging the appliance along the way. If this happens, you may have no choice but to replace the water heater.
Rest assured that water heaters are designed to remain operational no matter how cold the temperature drops. Nonetheless, it never hurts to take safety measures if a deep freeze is in the forecast, even more so if your water heater is set up outside.
Drain the Water Heater
Before departing on an extended getaway this winter, think about emptying the water heater to bypass a plumbing emergency while you’re away. You might also wish to drain the tank if power is lost to avoid potential freezing. For added protection, you may want to install a freeze protection solenoid valve, which opens conveniently and drains the water heater during a power failure.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to walk you through it:
- Turn off the cold-water supply valve, gas supply valve, and temperature control knob.
- Flip the circuit breaker providing electricity to the water heater.
- Fasten a hose to the drain valve or place a bucket underneath it to collect the water.
- Open the valve to start the flow of water.
- Keep draining until the tank is empty, then close the valve.
Leave the Water Running
Think about letting a trickle of hot water flowing from a faucet or two until the cold snap subsides. The resulting slight increase in your water bill is well worth averting a frozen water heater. This technique also helps counter 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 unique blanket to help reduce standby heat loss and offer protection against cold weather.
Not surprisingly, pipes are more inclined to freeze than water heaters. Beyond running a trickle of hot water, you can cover 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 some types of heat tape are compatible with insulation, so read the directions for use carefully if you plan to use them together.
Put in a Hot Water Recirculation System
The basic purpose of this system is to push hot water to the tap quicker, decreasing the wait time and reducing the amount of water that pours down the drain. A hot water recirculation system is convenient, water-wise and energy-efficient. It also warms the pipes during the cold months and makes your tankless water heater less likely to freeze. These combined benefits could justify the installation cost, especially in cold climates.
Choose a Suitable Installation Spot
The majority of North American properties have indoor water heaters. Nevertheless, in mild southern climates, water heaters are sometimes installed in the garage or even outside. While this practice is perfectly safe most of the time, the rare deep freeze can have negative effects on outdoor water heaters. For this reason, you should insist that your next water heater be setup inside, or at minimum 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 manufacturers use different freeze-prevention methods. Many have an electric element that supplies an adequate amount of heat to protect against internal freezing. Others light up the gas burners to heat a small amount of water and, in turn, keep the tankless cabinet frost-free.
Whatever the method, water heater freeze protection is only successful when turned on. First, check the unit to make sure this feature is engaged. Then, for protection during a power failure, consider investing in a small portable generator, whole-home standby generator, or battery backup power supply for your tankless water heater.
Schedule Water Heater Services
For answers to questions about your pipes or water heater possibly freezing this winter, turn to Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning. Our well-trained plumbers can perform 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 schedule a visit, please contact a Service Experts office near you today.