Can Water Heaters Freeze?

Dependent upon where you live, mild weather or intense cold may be ordinary this winter. Either way, your water heater must work harder when the temperature drops outside. This begs the question — can water heaters freeze?  

While extremely rare, it’s certainly not impossible for a water heater to freeze. The primary 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 be left with no alternative but to replace the water heater. 

Now, it’s worth mentioning that modern water heaters are designed to stay operational regardless of how cold the weather is. Nonetheless, it is always prudent to take safety measures if a deep freeze is in the forecast, even more so if your water heater is set up outside. 

Drain the Water Heater 

Before departing on an extended vacation this winter, consider emptying the water heater to bypass a plumbing emergency while you’re away. You can also drain the tank if power is lost to avoid possible freezing. For added protection, you could install a freeze protection solenoid valve, which opens instantly and drains the water heater during a power disruption. 

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 supplying electricity to the water heater. 

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

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

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

Let the Water Run – A Little 

Think about keeping a trickle of hot water flowing from a faucet or two until the arctic cold weather subsides. The small increase you’ll likely see on your next water bill is well worth averting a frozen water heater. This method 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 specific blanket to help minimize standby heat loss and provide protection against cold weather.  

Of course, pipes are more likely to freeze than water heaters. Beyond running a trickle of hot water, you can shield exposed pipes located 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 directions for use 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 faster, reducing the wait time and reducing the quantity of water that pours down the drain. A hot water recirculation system is convenient, water-wise and energy-efficient. It also keeps your pipes warm in the winter and makes your tankless water heater less prone to freezing. These paired benefits could validate the installation cost, particularly in cold climates. 

Choose a Suitable Installation Spot 

The majority of North American households have indoor water heaters. However, in mild southern climates, water heaters are occasionally installed in the garage or even outside. While this approach is perfectly safe most of the time, the unexpected deep freeze can have ruinous effects on outdoor water heaters. Consequently, you should demand that your next water heater be placed inside, or at least in a covered spot 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. Make sure your next water heater has this feature, especially if the only option is to install it outside. 

Different manufacturers use different freeze-prevention methods. Some have an electric element that supplies just enough heat to prevent internal freezing. Others spark the gas burners to raise the temperature of a small amount of water and, in turn, keep the tankless cabinet frost-free. 

No matter 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 failure, think about buying 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 accomplish 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.