Keep Your Tankless Water Heater From Freezing
As we know all too well, it can get pretty cold here in Sullivan County during the winter – and without some proper precautions, your home plumbing equipment can suffer because of it.
One piece of equipment that is not immune to cold weather damage is your tankless water heater: standing water inside the unit can turn into ice, damaging delicate internal components.
Many tankless water heaters have built-in heaters to prevent this problem – if yours does, be sure it is plugged in and connected to a reliable power source. During a really deep freeze, however, additional steps may be needed to prevent freezing and protect your water heater’s most critical components.
Frozen Water Heater Prevention
Here are five tips to prevent freezing and make sure your water heater lasts through the winter:
- Install your water heater in a warmer place – If possible, avoid installing your tankless water heater in an unheated basement. Today’s tankless systems are compact and can be wall hung, giving your more flexible placement options.
- Drain your water heater – Even the smallest amount of ice can damage internal plastic components. Prevent this by draining the unit, especially when going away for an extended period.
- Have a backup plan – Freeze protection systems need power to operate; if you live in an area prone to power outages, consider installing a backup system to keep the juice flowing.
- Insulate – Proper insulation is a key to preventing plumbing and water heater damage from the cold. Insulate your water heater and the pipes running to and from it using fiberglass or polyethylene insulation or heat tape.
- Run a trickle of warm water – Avoid a frozen pipe problem by running a trickle of hot water overnight from the tap furthest from the water heater. This will keep water running through the system and minimize the chance of freezing.
Have any other questions about maintaining your tankless water heater, or installing a new one in your Sullivan, Eastern Ulster, or Northern Orange County home? We can help. Contact us today to learn more or get a FREE, no-obligation estimate.