Can Water Heaters Freeze?

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

While relatively 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 few options but to replace the water heater. 

Today’s water heaters are designed to remain operational regardless of how cold the weather is. Nonetheless, it is always prudent to take safeguards if a deep freeze is in the forecast, even more so if your water heater is placed outside. 

Drain the Water Heater 

Before going away 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 possible freezing. As an added precaution, you may want to install a freeze protection solenoid valve, which opens automatically 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. 

2. Flip the circuit breaker delivering electric service to the water heater. 

3. Connect a hose to the drain valve or place a bucket beneath it to capture the water. 

4. Open the valve to begin the flow of water. 

5. Don’t stop draining until the tank is empty, then close the valve. 

Leave the Water Running 

Consider leaving a trickle of hot water flowing from a faucet or two until the arctic cold weather subsides. The resulting slight increase in your water bill is well worth preventing a frozen water heater. This method also helps reduce the risk of frozen and burst pipes. 

Install Insulation 

Plumbing insulation comes in many forms. You can insulate your water heater tank with a unique blanket to help cut down on standby heat loss and deliver protection against cold weather.  

Of course, pipes are more prone to freeze than water heaters. Along with running a trickle of hot water, you can cover exposed pipes located 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 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 transfer hot water to the tap quicker, reducing the wait time and reducing the amount 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 warrant the installation cost, especially in cold climates. 

Choose a Suitable Installation Spot 

Almost all North American homes have indoor water heaters. However, in mild southern climates, water heaters are once in a while installed in the garage or even outside. While this approach is reasonably safe in those specific climates, the unexpected deep freeze can have catastrophic effects on outdoor water heaters. For this reason, you should demand that your next water heater be installed inside, or at minimum in a covered location sheltered from the wind. 

Choose a Water Heater with Built-In Freeze Prevention 

The majority 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 manufacturers use different freeze-prevention methods. Many have an electric element that supplies a sufficient amount of heat to prevent internal freezing. Others fire 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 helpful when activated. First, check the unit to make sure this feature is activated. 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 

To learn more 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 recommend 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.