Tankless water heater winter survival guide: avoid a frozen disaster

Tankless water heaters have become increasingly popular in recent years due to their energy efficiency and space-saving design. However, one common concern among homeowners is whether or not tankless water heaters can freeze. In this blog post, we will explore the factors that can cause a tankless water heater to freeze and provide tips on how to prevent it from happening.

Factors That Can Cause a Tankless Water Heater to Freeze

There are several factors that can contribute to a tankless water heater freezing, including:

• Low water flow: If the water flow through the tankless water heater is too low, it can cause the water to freeze inside the heat exchanger. This can happen during periods of high water demand or if the water pressure is too low.
• Cold temperatures: Tankless water heaters are designed to operate in cold temperatures, but if the temperature drops below freezing, the water inside the heat exchanger can freeze. This is especially true if the water heater is located in an unheated space.
• Power outages: If there is a power outage, the tankless water heater will not be able to operate, and the water inside the heat exchanger can freeze.
• Leaks: A leak in the water heater can allow water to escape, which can then freeze and cause damage to the unit.

How to Prevent a Tankless Water Heater from Freezing

There are several steps you can take to prevent your tankless water heater from freezing, including:

• Insulate the water heater: Insulating the water heater will help to keep the water inside warm, even in cold temperatures. You can use foam insulation, fiberglass insulation, or even bubble wrap to insulate the water heater.
• Install a freeze protection kit: A freeze protection kit is a device that is installed on the water heater that will turn on a heating element if the temperature drops below freezing. This will help to keep the water inside the heat exchanger from freezing.
• Drain the water heater: If you are going to be away from home for an extended period of time during cold weather, you should drain the water from the tankless water heater. This will prevent the water from freezing and causing damage to the unit.
• Keep the water heater in a heated space: If possible, keep the tankless water heater in a heated space, such as a basement or garage. This will help to keep the water inside the heat exchanger from freezing.

Signs That Your Tankless Water Heater May Be Frozen

If you suspect that your tankless water heater may be frozen, there are a few signs to look for, including:

• No hot water: If you are not getting any hot water from the tankless water heater, it may be frozen.
• Leaking water: If you see water leaking from the tankless water heater, it may be frozen.
• Strange noises: If you hear strange noises coming from the tankless water heater, it may be frozen.

What to Do If Your Tankless Water Heater Freezes

If you think that your tankless water heater has frozen, there are a few things you can do, including:

• Turn off the water supply: The first thing you should do is turn off the water supply to the tankless water heater. This will prevent any more water from entering the unit and freezing.
• Thaw the water heater: You can thaw the water heater by using a heat gun or a hair dryer. Be careful not to get the water heater too hot, as this could damage the unit.
• Call a plumber: If you are not comfortable thawing the water heater yourself, you should call a plumber. A plumber will be able to safely thaw the water heater and get it working again.

In a nutshell: Protect Your Tankless Water Heater from Freezing

Tankless water heaters are a great way to save energy and space, but it is important to take steps to protect them from freezing. By following the tips in this blog post, you can help to prevent your tankless water heater from freezing and keep it running efficiently for years to come.

Answers to Your Questions

Q: Can all tankless water heaters freeze?
A: No, not all tankless water heaters can freeze. Some models are designed with freeze protection features that prevent the water inside the heat exchanger from freezing.

Q: What is the best way to prevent a tankless water heater from freezing?
A: The best way to prevent a tankless water heater from freezing is to insulate it, install a freeze protection kit, and keep it in a heated space.

Q: What should I do if my tankless water heater freezes?
A: If your tankless water heater freezes, you should turn off the water supply, thaw the water heater, and call a plumber if necessary.