Depending on where you live, mild weather or intense cold may be ordinary during the winter months. Regardless, your water heater works harder when the temperature drops outside the house. This prompts the question — can water heaters freeze?
Although very rare, it's certainly not impossible for a water heater to freeze. The primary concern is that any standing water within 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 engineered to remain operational regardless of how cold the weather is. Still, it never hurts to take precautions if bitter cold temps are heading your way, particularly if your water heater is set up outside.
Drain the Water Heater
Before leaving on an extended getaway this winter, consider bleeding out the water heater to bypass 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 potential freezing. As an added precaution, you could install a freeze protection solenoid valve, which opens instantly and drains the water heater during a power disruption.
Here’s how to drain a water heater tank by hand:
- Shut off the cold-water supply valve, gas supply valve, and temperature control knob.
- Flip the circuit breaker delivering power to the water heater.
- Connect a hose to the drain valve or place a bucket underneath it to catch the water.
- Open the valve to start the flow of water.
- Continue draining until the tank is empty, then close the valve.
Allow Some Water to Run
Consider 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 avoiding a frozen water heater. This method also helps reduce the risk of 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 provide protection against cold weather.
Of course, pipes are more inclined to freeze than water heaters. In addition to running a trickle of hot water, you can cover 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 a few 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 objective of this system is to transfer hot water to the tap rapidly, decreasing the wait time and reducing the amount 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 susceptible to freezing. These paired benefits could validate the installation cost, particularly in cold climates.
Pick a Suitable Installation Spot
Almost all North American households have indoor water heaters. But, in mild southern climates, water heaters are occasionally 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. Consequently, you should demand that your next water heater be setup inside, or at minimum in a covered location sheltered from the wind.
Choose a Water Heater with Built-In Freeze Safeguards
The majority 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. Many have an electric element that supplies just enough heat to avoid internal freezing. Others spark 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 activated. First, check the unit to make sure this feature is engaged. Then, for protection during a blackout, look into 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 more information about your pipes or water heater possibly freezing this winter, turn to Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning. Our well-trained plumbers can complete any water heater repair or replacement you need. We can also propose 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.