Unlock the Secret: How to Protect Tankless Water Heater from Freezing in Winter Months!

The joy of a tankless water heater is endless hot water on demand. But, like any appliance, it’s vulnerable to the harsh realities of winter. Freezing temperatures can wreak havoc on your tankless water heater, causing costly damage. This blog post will guide you through the essential steps on how to protect tankless water heater from freezing, ensuring you enjoy hot showers even during the coldest months.

Understanding the Risks of Freezing

Tankless water heaters, unlike their traditional counterparts, don’t store water. They heat water on demand, passing it through a heat exchanger. This means that any water left in the system during freezing temperatures is susceptible to expansion, potentially damaging the unit.

Prevention is Key: Winterizing Your Tankless Water Heater

The best approach to protect your tankless water heater from freezing is proactive winterization. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Locate Your Water Heater’s Drain Valve

Start by identifying the drain valve on your tankless water heater. It’s typically located near the bottom of the unit and resembles a small, round valve.

2. Turn Off the Water Supply

Before draining your system, turn off the water supply to your tankless water heater. This is usually a valve located near the water heater.

3. Open the Drain Valve

Once the water supply is off, carefully open the drain valve. Water will begin to drain from the unit.

4. Drain the System Completely

Allow the water to drain completely from the tankless water heater. This may take a few minutes.

5. Check for Remaining Water

After draining, check for any remaining water in the unit. You can do this by looking for any dripping or pooling water.

6. Close the Drain Valve

Once the system is completely drained, close the drain valve.

7. Turn the Water Supply Back On

After closing the drain valve, turn the water supply back on.

Additional Winterization Tips

While draining the system is crucial, there are other steps you can take to further protect your tankless water heater:

• Insulate Pipes: Wrap the pipes leading to and from your tankless water heater with insulation. This will help prevent them from freezing.
• Keep the Area Warm: If possible, keep the area around your tankless water heater warm. This could involve using a space heater or ensuring adequate insulation in the room.
• Use a Freeze Protection Kit: Consider using a freeze protection kit specifically designed for tankless water heaters. These kits often include features like a thermostatically controlled heater that prevents freezing.

Preventing Freezing During Mild Winters

In areas with mild winters, you may not need to completely drain your tankless water heater. Instead, you can use a few simple strategies to prevent freezing:

• Set the Temperature Higher: Increase the temperature setting on your tankless water heater. This will ensure that the water flowing through the unit is warm enough to prevent freezing.
• Run Hot Water Periodically: Run hot water from a faucet near the tankless water heater for a few minutes each day. This will help circulate warm water through the system and prevent freezing.

What to Do If Your Tankless Water Heater Freezes

Despite your best efforts, your tankless water heater may still freeze. If this happens, you need to take immediate action to prevent further damage.

1. Turn Off the Power

First, turn off the power to your tankless water heater. This will prevent any electrical damage.

2. Don’t Force the System

Do not attempt to force the system to operate while it is frozen. This could damage the unit.

3. Thaw the System Slowly

The best way to thaw a frozen tankless water heater is to gradually raise the temperature of the surrounding area. You can use a space heater or other heat source to warm the room. Avoid using direct heat, as this could damage the unit.

4. Call a Professional

If you are unable to thaw the system yourself, or if you suspect damage, contact a qualified plumber or HVAC technician. They will be able to assess the situation and provide necessary repairs.

Ready for Winter: Your Tankless Water Heater is Protected

By following these winterization tips, you can ensure your tankless water heater is ready for the cold weather and continues to provide you with hot water on demand. Remember, prevention is key. Taking the time to winterize your tankless water heater will save you headaches and potentially costly repairs.

Top Questions Asked

1. How often should I winterize my tankless water heater?
It’s recommended to winterize your tankless water heater before the first frost of the season. If you live in an area with mild winters, you may only need to winterize it once or twice during the season.
2. Can I use a regular drain valve for winterizing?
It’s best to use the specific drain valve provided with your tankless water heater. This valve is designed to drain the entire system effectively.
3. What if I don’t have a drain valve?
If your tankless water heater doesn‘t have a drain valve, you can contact a plumber to install one. They can also advise you on other winterization options.
4. What are the signs of a frozen tankless water heater?
Signs of a frozen tankless water heater include:

• No hot water
• Unusual noises coming from the unit
• Water leaking from the unit

5. How much does it cost to repair a frozen tankless water heater?
The cost of repairing a frozen tankless water heater can vary depending on the severity of the damage. In some cases, you may only need to replace a few parts. In other cases, you may need to replace the entire unit.