Depending on where you live, mild weather or intense cold may be typical this winter. Regardless, your water heater works harder when the temperature drops outside the house. This prompts 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 within the tank or tankless unit will freeze and expand, ruining the appliance along the way. If this happens, you may have no choice but to replace the water heater.
Today's water heaters are engineered to remain operational regardless of how cold the weather is. Nonetheless, it doesn't hurt to take precautions if sub-zero temperatures are in the forecast, especially if your water heater is installed outside.
Drain the Water Heater
Before heading out on an extended vacation this winter, consider emptying the water heater to prevent a plumbing emergency while you’re away. You can also drain the tank if power is lost to avoid possible freezing. As an added precaution, you could install a freeze protection solenoid valve, which opens conveniently and drains the water heater during a power failure.
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 providing electric service 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 begin the flow of water.
- Continue draining until the tank is empty, then close the valve.
Allow Some Water to Run
Think about 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 prevent 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 minimize standby heat loss and offer protection against cold weather.
Not surprisingly, pipes are more likely to freeze than water heaters. In addition to running a trickle of hot water, you can protect exposed pipes located outside or along exterior walls by wrapping them in foam insulation. It's also possible to install electric heat tape to ensure the pipes don't drop in temperature below freezing. Only certain 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 primary purpose of this system is to move hot water to the tap faster, shortening the wait time and reducing the amount of water that pours down the drain. A hot water recirculation system is useful, 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 overall benefits could validate the installation cost, particularly in cold climates.
Pick a Suitable Installation Spot
The majority of North American homes have indoor water heaters. But, in mild southern climates, water heaters are occasionally installed in the garage or even outside. While this approach is reasonably safe in those specific climates, the unexpected deep freeze can have ruinous effects on outdoor water heaters. Consequently, you should require that your next water heater be placed inside, or at 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. Make sure your next water heater has this feature, especially if the only option is to install it outside.
Different brands use different freeze-prevention methods. Many have an electric element that provides an adequate amount of heat to prevent internal freezing. Others fire up the gas burners to raise the temperature of 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 turned on. First, check the unit to make sure this feature is activated. 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
To learn more 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 propose 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.