Based on your location, mild weather or severe cold may be typical during the winter months. Either way, your water heater must work harder when the temperature drops outdoors. This begs the question — can water heaters freeze?
Although very rare, it's actually 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 at the same time. If this happens, you may have few options but to replace the water heater.
Today's water heaters are engineered to stay operational despite how cold the temperature drops. Even so, it doesn't hurt to take safety measures if sub-zero temperatures are in the forecast, even more so if your water heater is installed outside.
Drain the Water Heater
Before departing on an extended vacation this winter, consider bleeding out the water heater to prevent a plumbing disaster while you’re away. You may want to drain the tank if there is a power blackout to avoid potential freezing. As an added precaution, you might choose to install a freeze protection solenoid valve, which opens instantly and drains the water heater during a power disruption.
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 delivering electricity to the water heater.
- Fasten a hose to the drain valve or place a bucket underneath it to capture the water.
- Open the valve to start the flow of water.
- Keep 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 bitter temperature subsides. The small increase you'll likely see on your next water bill is well worth averting a frozen water heater. This method also helps counter frozen and burst pipes.
Install Insulation
There are many types of plumbing insulation that you can purchase. You can insulate your water heater tank with a unique blanket to help decrease standby heat loss and deliver protection against cold weather.
Naturally, pipes are more inclined to freeze than water heaters. Beyond running a trickle of hot water, you can shield exposed pipes found outside or along exterior walls by wrapping them in foam insulation. Another option is to install electric heat tape to keep the pipes just above freezing. 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 flows down the drain. A hot water recirculation system is convenient, water-wise and energy-efficient. It also ensures your pipes are warmer and makes your tankless water heater less susceptible to freezing. These paired benefits could warrant the installation cost, particularly in cold climates.
Pick a Suitable Installation Spot
The majority of North American homes have indoor water heaters. Nevertheless, in mild southern climates, water heaters are sometimes installed in the garage or even outside. While this approach is fine for those climates, the rare deep freeze can have ruinous effects on outdoor water heaters. For this reason, you should require that your next water heater be installed inside, or at minimum in a covered spot sheltered from the wind.
Choose a Water Heater with Built-In Freeze Protection
A large number of tankless water heaters have built-in freeze protection that works in temperatures down to -22 degrees F. Make sure your next water heater has this feature, especially if the only option is to install it outside.
Different products use different freeze-prevention methods. Some have an electric element that provides just enough heat to avoid internal freezing. Others spark the gas burners to warm a small amount of water and, as a result, keep the tankless cabinet frost-free.
No matter the method, water heater freeze protection is only helpful when activated. First, check the unit to make sure this feature is activated. Then, for protection during a blackout, consider purchasing 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 accomplish any water heater repair or replacement you need. We can also recommend 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.