Can Water Heaters Freeze?
Dependent upon where you live, mild weather or intense cold may be ordinary during the winter months. Regardless, your water heater must work harder when the temperature drops outside. This prompts the question — can water heaters freeze?
While relatively rare, it’s actually not impossible for a water heater to freeze. The leading concern is that any standing water inside the tank or tankless unit will freeze and expand, ruining the appliance at the same time. If this happens, you may have no choice but to replace the water heater.
Rest assured that water heaters are engineered to be operational no matter how cold the temperature drops. Even so, it doesn’t hurt to take safety measures if a deep freeze is in the forecast, even more so if your water heater is installed outside.
Drain the Water Heater
Before departing on an extended getaway this winter, consider draining the water heater to bypass a plumbing crisis while you’re away. You might also wish to drain the tank if the power goes out to avoid potential freezing. To provide greater comfort and security, you may want to install a freeze protection solenoid valve, which opens instantly and drains the water heater during a power disruption.
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 electricity to the water heater.
- Connect a hose to the drain valve or place a bucket under it to capture the water.
- Open the valve to create the flow of water.
- Keep draining until the tank is empty, then close the valve.
Let the Water Run – A Little
Give some thought to keeping 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 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 specific blanket to help reduce standby heat loss and offer protection against cold weather.
Obviously, pipes are more likely to freeze than water heaters. Beyond running a trickle of hot water, you can cover exposed pipes located 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 product label carefully if you plan to use them together.
Put in a Hot Water Recirculation System
The main purpose of this system is to push hot water to the tap faster, shortening the wait time and reducing the volume 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 susceptible to freezing. These combined benefits could justify the installation cost, especially in cold climates.
Select a Suitable Installation Spot
The majority of North American properties have indoor water heaters. Nevertheless, in mild southern climates, water heaters are once in a while installed in the garage or even outside. While this practice is fine for those climates, the rare deep freeze can have catastrophic effects on outdoor water heaters. Consequently, you should require that your next water heater be setup inside, or at the very least in a covered spot sheltered from the wind.
Choose a Water Heater with Built-In Freeze Protection
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 option is to install it outside.
Different products use different freeze-prevention methods. Several have an electric element that yields an adequate amount of heat to avoid internal freezing. Others fire up the gas burners to heat a small amount of water and, in turn, keep the tankless cabinet frost-free.
No matter the method, water heater freeze protection is only helpful when utilized. First, check the unit to make sure this feature is engaged. Then, for protection during a power failure, 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 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.