Can Water Heaters Freeze?
Depending on where you live, mild weather or extreme cold may be ordinary during the winter months. Either way, your water heater must work harder when the temperature drops outside. This prompts the question — can water heaters freeze?
Although very rare, it’s certainly not impossible for a water heater to freeze. The biggest concern is that any standing water inside 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.
Now, it’s worth mentioning that modern water heaters are engineered to stay operational despite how cold the temperature drops. Still, it is always prudent to take safety measures if bitter cold temps are heading your way, 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 bypass a plumbing emergency while you’re away. You may want to drain the tank if your home loses power for an extended period to avoid potential freezing. For added protection, you could install a freeze protection solenoid valve, which opens instantly and drains the water heater during a power failure.
Here’s how to drain a water heater tank by hand:
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- Turn off the cold-water supply valve, gas supply valve, and temperature control knob.
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- Flip the circuit breaker supplying electric service to the water heater.
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- Connect a hose to the drain valve or place a bucket underneath it to capture the water.
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- Open the valve to begin the flow of water.
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- Keep draining until the tank is empty, then close the valve.
Leave the Water Running
Consider letting a trickle of hot water flowing from a faucet or two until the bitter temperature subsides. The associated increase in your utility bill is well worth preventing a frozen water heater. This technique 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 decrease standby heat loss and provide protection against cold weather.
Obviously, pipes are more likely to freeze than water heaters. Beyond running a trickle of hot water, you can protect exposed pipes situated 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 primary purpose of this system is to transfer hot water to the tap rapidly, shortening the wait time and reducing the amount of water that flows down the drain. A hot water recirculation system is useful, water-wise and energy-efficient. It also ensures your pipes are warmer and makes your tankless water heater less susceptible to freezing. These combined benefits could validate the installation cost, especially in cold climates.
Pick a Suitable Installation Spot
Almost all North American homes 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 perfectly safe most of the time, the rare deep freeze can have negative effects on outdoor water heaters. Consequently, you should require that your next water heater be installed inside, or at minimum in a covered area sheltered from the wind.
Choose a Water Heater with Built-In Freeze Protection
Most tankless water heaters have built-in freeze protection that works in temperatures down to -22 degrees F. The next tankless water heater that you buy should have this, especially if the only option is to install it outside.
Different brands use different freeze-prevention methods. Several have an electric element that yields an adequate amount of heat to protect against internal freezing. Others spark 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 utilized. First, check the unit to make sure this feature is switched on. 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 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 complete 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 schedule a visit, please contact a Service Experts office near you today.
