Can Water Heaters Freeze?

Dependent upon where you live, mild weather or harsh cold may be typical in the wintertime. In either case, your water heater must work harder when the temperature drops outside the house. This makes many people ask the question — can water heaters freeze?  

While extremely rare, it’s actually not impossible for a water heater to freeze. The primary concern is that any standing water within the tank or tankless unit will freeze and expand, permanently damaging the appliance at the same time. If this happens, you may have no choice but to replace the water heater. 

Today’s water heaters are designed to stay operational despite how cold it gets outside. Nonetheless, it doesn’t hurt to take safeguards if bitter cold temps are heading your way, particularly if your water heater is set up outside. 

Drain the Water Heater 

Before heading out on an extended vacation this winter, give thought to draining the water heater to avoid a plumbing emergency while you’re away. You may want to drain the tank if your home loses power for an extended period to avoid possible freezing. For added protection, 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 accomplish this task yourself: 

1. Shut off the cold-water supply valve, gas supply valve, and temperature control knob. 

2. Flip the circuit breaker providing electricity to the water heater. 

3. Attach a hose to the drain valve or place a bucket under it to catch the water. 

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

5. Continue 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 cold snap subsides. The associated increase in your utility bill is well worth averting a frozen water heater. This method also helps prevent frozen and burst pipes. 

Install Insulation 

Plumbing insulation is very affordable and comes in a variety of 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.  

Naturally, pipes are more inclined to freeze than water heaters. In addition to running a trickle of hot water, you can cover exposed pipes situated outside or along exterior walls by wrapping them in foam insulation. It’s also possible 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 intent of this system is to transfer hot water to the tap quicker, shortening the wait time and reducing the volume of water that flows 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 validate the installation cost, particularly in cold climates. 

Pick a Suitable Installation Spot 

Most North American properties 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 approach is fine for those climates, the rare deep freeze can have negative effects on outdoor water heaters. As such, you should insist that your next water heater be placed inside, or at least in a covered location sheltered from the wind. 

Choose a Water Heater with Built-In Freeze Prevention 

A large number of tankless water heaters have built-in freeze protection that works in temperatures down to -22 degrees F. Don’t buy a tankless water heater without this feature, especially if the only choice is to install it outside. 

Different manufacturers use different freeze-prevention methods. Several have an electric element that supplies a sufficient amount of heat to prevent internal freezing. Others light up the gas burners to heat a small amount of water and, in short, keep the tankless cabinet frost-free. 

Regardless of the method, water heater freeze protection is only helpful when turned on. First, check the unit to make sure this feature is switched on. Then, for protection during a power outage, look into buying 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 perform 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 plan a visit, please contact a Service Experts office near you today.