Can Water Heaters Freeze?
Depending on where you live, mild weather or harsh cold may be typical during the winter months. In either case, your water heater has to work harder when the temperature drops outside. This begs the question — can water heaters freeze?
While relatively rare, it’s definitely not impossible for a water heater to freeze. The primary concern is that any standing water inside the tank or tankless unit will freeze and expand, destroying 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 regardless of how cold the temperature drops. Even so, it doesn’t hurt to take safeguards if bitter cold temps are heading your way, even more so if your water heater is set up outside.
Drain the Water Heater
Before leaving on an extended trip this winter, give thought to emptying the water heater to avoid a plumbing emergency while you’re away. You might also wish to drain the tank if there is a power blackout to avoid possible freezing. To provide greater comfort and security, you could install a freeze protection solenoid valve, which opens automatically and drains the water heater during a power disruption.
Here’s how to accomplish this task yourself:
- Shut off the cold-water supply valve, gas supply valve, and temperature control knob.
- Flip the circuit breaker providing power to the water heater.
- Connect a hose to the drain valve or place a bucket beneath it to catch the water.
- Open the valve to create the flow of water.
- Continue draining until the tank is empty, then close the valve.
Allow Some Water to Run
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 avoiding a frozen water heater. This technique also helps avoid 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 reduce standby heat loss and deliver protection against cold weather.
Naturally, pipes are more prone 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. You can also install electric heat tape to warm the pipes above freezing point. Only a few types of heat tape are compatible with insulation, so read the instructions carefully if you plan to use them together.
Put in a Hot Water Recirculation System
The main objective of this system is to push hot water to the tap quicker, shortening the wait time and reducing the amount of water that is wasted 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 likely to freeze. These bundled benefits could validate the installation cost, especially in cold climates.
Pick a Suitable Installation Spot
Most North American households have indoor water heaters. But, in mild southern climates, water heaters are sometimes installed in the garage or even outside. While this approach is perfectly safe most of the time, the rare deep freeze can have catastrophic effects on outdoor water heaters. For this reason, you should insist 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 Prevention
A large number of 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 choice is to install it outside.
Different manufacturers use different freeze-prevention methods. Several have an electric element that yields a sufficient amount of heat to avoid internal freezing. Others light up the gas burners to warm a small amount of water and, as a result, keep the tankless cabinet frost-free.
Regardless of the method, water heater freeze protection is only effective when turned on. First, check the unit to make sure this feature is engaged. Then, for protection during a blackout, think about 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 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 schedule a visit, please contact a Service Experts office near you today.
