Can Water Heaters Freeze?

Dependent upon where you live, mild weather or severe cold may be typical during the winter months. Regardless, your water heater has to work harder when the temperature drops outside. This prompts the question — can water heaters freeze?

Although very rare, it’s actually not impossible for a water heater to freeze. The main concern is that any standing water found in the tank or tankless unit will freeze and expand, permanently damaging the appliance in the process. 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. Nonetheless, it is always prudent to take safety measures if sub-zero temperatures are in the forecast, especially if your water heater is installed outside.

Drain the Water Heater

Before departing on an extended getaway this winter, give thought to draining the water heater to prevent a plumbing crisis while you’re away. You might also wish to drain the tank if there is a power blackout to avoid potential freezing. As an added precaution, you might choose to install a freeze protection solenoid valve, which opens instantly and drains the water heater during a power failure.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to walk you through it:

    1. Turn off the cold-water supply valve, gas supply valve, and temperature control knob.
    1. Flip the circuit breaker providing power to the water heater.
    1. Fasten a hose to the drain valve or place a bucket under it to collect the water.
    1. Open the valve to begin the flow of water.
    1. Keep draining until the tank is empty, then close the valve.

Let the Water Run – A Little

Think about letting 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 reduce the risk of 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 specific blanket to help minimize standby heat loss and give protection against cold weather.

Not surprisingly, pipes are more prone to freeze than water heaters. Along with running a trickle of hot water, you can shield exposed pipes found outside or along exterior walls by wrapping them in foam insulation. Another option is to install electric heat tape to warm the pipes above freezing point. Only some 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 basic purpose of this system is to move hot water to the tap quicker, shortening the wait time and reducing the volume of water that is wasted down the drain. A hot water recirculation system is simple, 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, particularly in cold climates.

Select a Suitable Installation Spot

The majority of North American homes have indoor water heaters. However, in mild southern climates, water heaters are sometimes installed in the garage or even outside. While this practice is fine for those climates, the occasional deep freeze can have negative effects on outdoor water heaters. For this reason, you should insist 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

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 option is to install it outside.

Different products use different freeze-prevention methods. Some have an electric element that yields just enough heat to protect against internal freezing. Others fire up the gas burners to raise the temperature of a small amount of water and, in short, keep the tankless cabinet frost-free.

Whatever the method, water heater freeze protection is only helpful when activated. First, check the unit to make sure this feature is engaged. Then, for protection during a power outage, think about 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 more information about your pipes or water heater possibly 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 suggest 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.

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