Can Water Heaters Freeze?

Depending on where you live, mild weather or intense cold may be ordinary this winter. In either case, your water heater has to work harder when the temperature drops outside the house. This prompts the question — can water heaters freeze?

While extremely rare, it’s definitely not impossible for a water heater to freeze. The biggest concern is that any standing water found in the tank or tankless unit will freeze and expand, destroying the appliance along the way. If this happens, you may have few options but to replace the water heater.

Rest assured that water heaters are built to be operational despite how cold the temperature drops. Nonetheless, it doesn’t hurt to take safety measures if sub-zero temperatures are in the forecast, even more so if your water heater is installed outside.

Drain the Water Heater

Before departing on an extended trip this winter, think about draining the water heater to avoid a plumbing emergency while you’re away. You may want to drain the tank if the power goes out to avoid potential freezing. To provide greater comfort and security, you may want to install a freeze protection solenoid valve, which opens automatically and drains the water heater during a power outage.

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 delivering electric service to the water heater.

1. Attach a hose to the drain valve or place a bucket underneath it to capture the water.

1. Open the valve to start the flow of water.

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

Allow Some Water to Run

Give some thought to letting a trickle of hot water flowing from a faucet or two until the bitter temperature subsides. The small increase you’ll likely see on your next water bill is well worth avoiding a frozen water heater. This approach 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 special blanket to help reduce standby heat loss and offer protection against cold weather.

Naturally, pipes are more prone to freeze than water heaters. In addition to running a trickle of hot water, you can shield exposed pipes found 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 objective of this system is to transfer hot water to the tap quicker, shortening the wait time and reducing the amount of water that pours down the drain. A hot water recirculation system is convenient, 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 validate the installation cost, particularly in cold climates.

Select a Suitable Installation Spot

Most North American properties have indoor water heaters. But, in mild southern climates, water heaters are occasionally installed in the garage or even outside. While this practice is fine for those climates, the rare deep freeze can have negative effects on outdoor water heaters. Because of this, you should insist that your next water heater be placed inside, or at minimum in a covered area sheltered from the wind.

Choose a Water Heater with Built-In Freeze Safeguards

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 alternative is to install it outside.

Different products use different freeze-prevention methods. Several 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 turn, keep the tankless cabinet frost-free.

Regardless of the method, water heater freeze protection is only helpful when utilized. First, check the unit to make sure this feature is engaged. Then, for protection during a power outage, think about 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 possibly 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 suggest steps to help your pipes and plumbing appliances last longer in any weather. For more information or to schedule a visit, please contact a Service Experts office near you today.