Based on your location, mild weather or severe cold may be the norm during the winter months. Regardless, your water heater has to work harder when the temperature drops outside. This prompts the question — can water heaters freeze?
While relatively rare, it's definitely not impossible for a water heater to freeze. The biggest concern is that any standing water found in the tank or tankless unit will freeze and expand, permanently damaging the appliance in the process. If this happens, you may have few options but to replace the water heater.
Rest assured that water heaters are designed to remain operational no matter how cold the weather is. Even so, it never hurts to take safety measures if sub-zero temperatures are in the forecast, even more so if your water heater is placed outside.
Drain the Water Heater
Before going away on an extended getaway this winter, consider bleeding out the water heater to avoid a plumbing crisis while you’re away. You may want to drain the tank if your home loses power for an extended period 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 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 delivering power to the water heater.
- Fasten a hose to the drain valve or place a bucket under it to capture the water.
- Open the valve to begin the flow of water.
- Continue draining until the tank is empty, then close the valve.
Allow Some Water to Run
Give some thought to leaving 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 preventing a frozen water heater. This method also helps avoid frozen and burst pipes.
Install Insulation
Plumbing insulation comes in many forms. You can insulate your water heater tank with a special blanket to help reduce standby heat loss and deliver protection against cold weather.
Not surprisingly, pipes are more inclined to freeze than water heaters. In addition to running a trickle of hot water, you can protect exposed pipes found outside or along exterior walls by wrapping them in foam insulation. You can also install electric heat tape to ensure the pipes don't drop in temperature below freezing. Only some 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 transfer hot water to the tap rapidly, decreasing 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 keeps your pipes warm in the winter and makes your tankless water heater less prone to freezing. These overall benefits could validate the installation cost, especially in cold climates.
Choose a Suitable Installation Spot
The majority of North American households have indoor water heaters. However, in mild southern climates, water heaters are sometimes installed in the garage or even outside. While this approach is reasonably safe in those specific climates, the rare deep freeze can have negative effects on outdoor water heaters. Because of this, you should require that your next water heater be setup inside, or at the very least in a covered location sheltered from the wind.
Choose a Water Heater with Built-In Freeze Safeguards
Most 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 option is to install it outside.
Different products use different freeze-prevention methods. Many have an electric element that supplies an adequate amount of heat to prevent internal freezing. Others fire up the gas burners to heat a small amount of water and, as a result, keep the tankless cabinet frost-free.
Whatever the method, water heater freeze protection is only effective when utilized. First, check the unit to make sure this feature is engaged. Then, for protection during a power outage, 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 potentially 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 plan a visit, please contact a Service Experts office near you today.