Incredible as it sounds, your tankless water heater can freeze. Yes, unlike the traditional tank water heaters, the tankless ones do not store hot water, which makes them even more prone to freeze.
In this terrible scenario, you not only won’t have hot water to supply your needs, but it can also damage your unit, resulting in expensive repairs or replacement.
So, in this blog post, we’ll talk about tankless water heater frozen in deeper detail; we’ll tell you how to prevent it and give you 2 tips to thaw it out in case it is too late and your tankless water heater is already frozen. Enjoy your read!
Thawing a frozen tankless water heater ensures optimal performance and prevents potential damage. Here are two essential tips to effectively thaw a tankless water heater frozen:
The first thing you need to do is turn off the power supply to the tankless water heater. Then, you can inspect the unit for any visible signs of ice accumulation or frost.
Pay close attention to the external pipes and connections. If ice is present, it’s essential to identify the location of the freeze to determine the best course of action.
Use a heat source to thaw the frozen sections of the tankless water heater. Electric heating pads, heat lamps, or even hairdryers can be effective tools.
Focus the heat on the frozen areas, starting from the source of the freeze and working outward. Be patient and avoid using direct flames or excessive heat at all costs to prevent damage to the unit or surrounding components.
Thankfully, Yes, you can!
We can prepare ourselves for winter by getting a warm jacket, blanket, etc. But let’s be honest; many people don’t care about the features of their homes because they assume that they will withstand the winter without any problem.
Although many tankless water heaters have freeze protection, they are not guaranteed never to freeze up. In addition, only some of the units have that protection.
Therefore, knowing how to winterize your tankless water heater is essential to keep it working at its best during winter times when you need it the most.
Pay attention to the 2 following tips and apply them!
Once thawed, take preventative measures to avoid future freezing. Insulate exposed pipes and external components, especially if the tankless water heater is in a cold-prone area. Consider installing heat tape or using insulating materials to protect against freezing temperatures.
Additionally, ensure that the unit is well-ventilated to prevent condensation buildup, which can contribute to freezing issues. Regular maintenance and monitoring during colder seasons will help keep your tankless water heater functioning optimally.
As said, the newer tankless water heaters have freeze protection, but it is not definitive, as with almost everything in life.
In fact, even such tankless water heaters note that they should not be installed in areas where temperatures can reach 36 degrees Fahrenheit.
Tankless water heaters that are installed outdoors are at a higher risk of freezing, which can lead to significant damage and costly repairs.
Therefore, it is strongly recommended not to install tankless water heaters in outdoor locations that are prone to freezing temperatures. This precautionary measure can help prevent potential damage and ensure the efficient and safe operation of the water heater.
As we said in our article about Tankless water heaters, pros and cons they play a vital role in our comfort. Therefore, it is essential to keep them working at their best.
Although the newer tankless water heater units have freezing protection, you must also winterize them when winter arrives and the temperatures reach 36 degrees Fahrenheit. It is even more indispensable if your tankless water heater doesn’t have such freezing protection.
If, sadly, you didn’t know our pro tips to winterize your tankless water heater and the freeze protection was not that effective for your unit or your unit does not have that freeze protection and now you are dealing with a tankless water heater frozen, then you can try to fix it yourself the two tips we gave you to thaw it out.
If you couldn’t do it yourself and want to leave this into professional hands, you just need to contact the professional plumbers at BG Plumbing to fix the problem quickly.
