Based on your location, mild weather or intense cold may be typical this winter. Regardless, your water heater has to work harder when the temperature drops outside. This makes many people ask the question — can water heaters freeze?
While relatively rare, it's definitely 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, destroying the appliance at the same time. If this happens, you may be left with no alternative but to replace the water heater.
Today's water heaters are built to remain operational regardless of how cold the temperature drops. Still, it never hurts to take precautions if sub-zero temperatures are in the forecast, even more so if your water heater is placed outside.
Drain the Water Heater
Before heading out on an extended trip this winter, give thought to draining the water heater to avoid a plumbing disaster while you’re away. You might also wish to drain the tank if your home loses power for an extended period to avoid possible freezing. As an added precaution, you could install a freeze protection solenoid valve, which opens automatically and drains the water heater during a power outage.
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 electric service to the water heater.
- Connect a hose to the drain valve or place a bucket underneath it to collect the water.
- Open the valve to begin the flow of water.
- Don't stop 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 bitter temperature subsides. The associated increase in your utility bill is well worth avoiding a frozen water heater. This approach 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.
Obviously, pipes are more likely to freeze than water heaters. In addition to running a trickle of hot water, you can protect exposed pipes situated outside or along exterior walls by wrapping them in foam insulation. Another option is to 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 basic purpose of this system is to transfer hot water to the tap quicker, shortening the wait time and reducing the volume of water that pours 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 likely to freeze. These overall benefits could warrant the installation cost, especially in cold climates.
Choose a Suitable Installation Spot
Almost all 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 practice is perfectly safe most of the time, the unexpected deep freeze can have negative effects on outdoor water heaters. As such, you should insist that your next water heater be setup inside, or at least in a covered area 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 choice is to install it outside.
Different brands use different freeze-prevention methods. Some have an electric element that yields a sufficient amount of heat to protect against internal freezing. Others light up the gas burners to heat a small amount of water and, as a result, keep the tankless cabinet frost-free.
Whatever the method, water heater freeze protection is only successful when utilized. First, check the unit to make sure this feature is engaged. Then, for protection during a power outage, consider buying 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 potentially 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 plan a visit, please contact a Service Experts office near you today.