Have you ever wondered what to do if your tankless water heater freezes? Well, you’re not alone, winter in the Twin Cities is notorious for its brutally cold climate. If your tankless water heater is housed in your garage, it may be at risk of freezing, leaving you without hot water.
Though less common than frozen pipes, frozen tankless water heaters may need repairs or even replacement, so it is important that you not only know how to thaw your unit but also the steps you can take to prevent freezing in the first place.
Understanding Tankless Water Heaters
Tankless water heaters are a modern solution for providing hot water on demand. Unlike traditional water heaters that store hot water in a tank, tankless water heaters heat water only when you need it. This is achieved through a heating element, such as a gas burner or electric element, which rapidly heats the water as it flows through the unit.
This on-demand heating process not only ensures a continuous supply of hot water but also significantly reduces energy consumption and costs. Since there is no need to keep a large volume of water hot at all times, tankless water heaters are more energy-efficient. Additionally, they tend to have a longer lifespan compared to traditional tank-type water heaters, making them a smart investment for homeowners looking to save on utility bills and reduce their environmental footprint.
Why Do Tankless Water Heaters Freeze?
While these tankless systems are highly energy-efficient and produce hot water instantly, they are at risk of freezing in cold weather because hot water is not constantly moving through the unit.
Many tankless water heaters have built-in freeze protection, but periods of extremely low temperatures or power outages can still result in a frozen system.
How to Thaw a Tankless Water Heater
If your tankless water heater freezes, do not attempt to use it. It is important to thaw the unit as soon as possible to prevent system and water supply issues by completing the following steps:
- Cut the power at the circuit breaker and close the unit’s gas and water valves.
- Attempt to warm the unit by turning on a space heater near the system.
- Once the system begins to thaw, open the water supply valve so that water can drain.
- Examine the unit thoroughly to ensure there are no leaks inside or in the external pipes.
- Once the water begins to flow normally through the unit, open the gas valves and flip the breaker back on.
If you notice leaks from the water heater or pipes, call a plumber, and do not attempt to thaw the system yourself.
How to Prevent a Frozen Tankless Water Heater
A frozen tankless water heater brings endless problems and may even require a replacement unit. However, there are ways to avoid being stuck without hot water.
If you expect temperatures to drop significantly in your area, consider these tips to keep your unit safe and running:
- Run the hot water: The greatest damage in a frozen tankless water heater comes from the freezing and expansion of standing water in the unit. Run a small stream of warm water through one of your faucets to eliminate this risk. When you open the hot water tap, it activates the heater, ensuring a continuous supply of hot water. However, be aware that it may take a few seconds for the hot water to reach the tap due to the initial delay in heating. A buffer tank can help prevent freezing by storing a small amount of hot water, ready for immediate use. Remember that a slight increase in your water bill will still be far less expensive than water heater repair or replacement. Additionally, understanding the operational characteristics of your tankless unit, such as the minimum flow rate necessary to produce hot water, can help you manage its efficiency better.
- Prepare for power outages with a generator: Most tankless water heaters have built-in freeze protection. This consists of an electric system that melts ice inside the tank. However, this freeze protection cannot work properly if your home loses power. Safeguard this function during an outage by hooking your water heater up to a generator.
Common Issues with Tankless Water Heaters
While tankless water heaters are known for their reliability and efficiency, they can still encounter issues that may affect their performance. Here are some common problems you might face:
- Insufficient hot water supply: If your tankless water heater is not properly sized for your household’s needs, it may struggle to provide enough hot water, especially during peak usage times.
- Temperature fluctuations: Experiencing inconsistent water temperature can be frustrating. This issue can often be traced back to a faulty temperature sensor or a malfunctioning heating element.
- Flow rate issues: Tankless water heaters require a minimum flow rate to activate and produce hot water. If the flow rate is too low, the unit may not function correctly, leaving you with cold water.
- Standby mode: Some tankless water heaters may enter standby mode, which can cause the unit to stop producing hot water temporarily. This is usually a feature to save energy but can be inconvenient if not managed properly.
- Maintenance issues: Regular maintenance is crucial for the optimal performance of your tankless water heater. Neglecting maintenance can lead to problems such as mineral buildup, corrosion, and reduced efficiency.
Addressing these issues promptly is essential to ensure your tankless water heater operates efficiently and effectively. Regular maintenance, proper sizing, and timely troubleshooting can help resolve common problems and extend the lifespan of your unit.
Choose Genz-Ryan for Plumbing Services in the Twin Cities
If your tankless water heater or pipes freeze, call Genz-Ryan Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical. Our licensed and insured plumbers provide the highest quality service in the Minneapolis-St. Paul Metro Area. Choose our team for 24-hour service and upfront pricing.
Call Genz-Ryan at (612) 223-6158 or contact us online today for plumbing repair or replacement.
