Can Water Heaters Freeze?
Dependent upon where you live, mild weather or extreme cold may be typical in the wintertime. Either way, your water heater has to work harder when the temperature drops outdoors. This makes many people ask the question — can water heaters freeze?
Although very rare, it’s actually not impossible for a water heater to freeze. The leading concern is that any standing water inside the tank or tankless unit will freeze and expand, ruining the appliance along the way. If this happens, you may have few options but to replace the water heater.
Now, it’s worth mentioning that modern water heaters are designed to stay operational regardless of how cold it gets outside. Even so, it is always prudent to take precautions if a deep freeze is 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 crisis while you’re away. You may want to drain the tank if there is a power blackout to avoid potential freezing. To provide greater comfort and security, you may want to install a freeze protection solenoid valve, which opens conveniently and drains the water heater during a power disruption.
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 power to the water heater.
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- Connect a hose to the drain valve or place a bucket underneath it to catch 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
Give some thought to letting a trickle of hot water flowing from a faucet or two until the cold snap subsides. The associated increase in your utility bill is well worth avoiding a frozen water heater. This method also helps counter 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 reduce standby heat loss and deliver protection against cold weather.
Obviously, pipes are more inclined to freeze than water heaters. Beyond running a trickle of hot water, you can shield exposed pipes situated outside or along exterior walls by wrapping them in foam insulation. You can also install electric heat tape to keep the pipes just above freezing. Only certain 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 main purpose of this system is to push hot water to the tap faster, shortening the wait time and reducing the amount of water that is wasted 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 overall benefits could justify the installation cost, particularly in cold climates.
Choose a Suitable Installation Spot
Most North American homes have indoor water heaters. But, in mild southern climates, water heaters are once in a while installed in the garage or even outside. While this practice is fine for those climates, the occasional deep freeze can have ruinous effects on outdoor water heaters. As such, you should demand that your next water heater be setup inside, or at the very least in a covered spot 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. Make sure your next water heater has this feature, especially if the only alternative is to install it outside.
Different manufacturers use different freeze-prevention methods. Many have an electric element that provides a sufficient amount of heat to prevent internal freezing. Others light up the gas burners to raise the temperature of a small amount of water and, in turn, 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 activated. Then, for protection during a power failure, consider purchasing 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 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 arrange a visit, please contact a Service Experts office near you today.
