Can Water Heaters Freeze?

Dependent upon where you live, mild weather or intense cold may be typical this winter. Either way, your water heater works harder when the temperature drops outdoors. This begs 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, ruining the appliance in the process. If this happens, you may have few options but to replace the water heater. 

Rest assured that water heaters are engineered to remain operational despite how cold the temperature drops. Still, it doesn’t hurt to take safeguards if sub-zero temperatures are in the forecast, especially if your water heater is set up outside. 

Drain the Water Heater 

Before heading out on an extended trip this winter, consider bleeding out the water heater to prevent a plumbing disaster while you’re away. You might also wish to drain the tank if your home loses power for an extended period to avoid possible freezing. As an added precaution, you may want to install a freeze protection solenoid valve, which opens instantly and drains the water heater during a power failure. 

Here’s how to drain a water heater tank by hand: 

1. Turn 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. Fasten a hose to the drain valve or place a bucket beneath it to collect the water. 

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

5. Continue draining until the tank is empty, then close the valve. 

Leave the Water Running 

Think about leaving 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 approach also helps avoid 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.  

Not surprisingly, pipes are more likely to freeze than water heaters. Beyond running a trickle of hot water, you can protect exposed pipes located outside or along exterior walls by wrapping them in foam insulation. It’s also possible to install electric heat tape to warm the pipes above freezing point. 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 primary intent of this system is to push 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 keeps your pipes warm in the winter and makes your tankless water heater less prone to freezing. These overall benefits could warrant the installation cost, particularly in cold climates. 

Choose a Suitable Installation Spot 

Almost all North American households have indoor water heaters. Nevertheless, in mild southern climates, water heaters are occasionally installed in the garage or even outside. While this practice is perfectly safe most of the time, the rare deep freeze can have catastrophic effects on outdoor water heaters. For this reason, you should require that your next water heater be placed inside, or at the very 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. Make sure your next water heater has this feature, especially if the only option is to install it outside. 

Different brands use different freeze-prevention methods. Some have an electric element that provides just enough heat to avoid internal freezing. Others light up the gas burners to raise the temperature of a small amount of water and, in short, keep the tankless cabinet frost-free. 

Regardless of the method, water heater freeze protection is only successful when turned on. First, check the unit to make sure this feature is engaged. 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 

For answers to questions 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 suggest 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.