If you recently installed an on-demand water heater or are considering replacing your traditional appliance, you should learn how to prevent a tankless water heater from freezing over.
As your preferred plumber in Media, PA, MVP Plumbing walks you through professional recommendations below. Get ready for peace of mind and a dependable hot water supply with these winterization tips.
How Do Media’s Freezing Temperatures Influence Tankless Water Heaters?
On-demand or tankless water heaters don’t store water in a tank. Instead, you turn on your hot water faucet to trigger the appliance’s heat exchanger. The exchanger warms the water as it flows and cuts heat when you turn off the water.
Now, you might think that zero water storage combined with fast heating capabilities eliminates the chances of a frozen tankless water heater, but the opposite is true. Since tankless heaters don’t store and constantly heat a water supply, they can more easily freeze! If they do, they can quickly wreak plumbing havoc on your home or business.
Choose Warm Installation Areas
Consistent appliance protection begins before installation. A knowledgeable plumber like MVP Plumbing will suggest installing the tankless water heater in a sheltered, insulated area in your Media property, such as:
- Basements
- Attics
- Storage closets
- Laundry rooms
- Mudrooms
These areas supply a warm ambient temperature, shelter from frozen precipitation, and other outlets for better environmental control. The more protection you give your tankless water heater, the less likely it is to freeze.
Protect the Connected Pipes
Applying pipe insulation protects your water heater as well as other indoor plumbing fittings. For example:
- Pipe sleeves
- Appliance covers
- Heat tape
- Liquid foam applications
Power Up a Space Heater
Small space heaters offer fantastic freeze protection in tight spaces. While learning how to prevent a tankless water heater from freezing, you might dig out one in your closet or head to the store for one. After that, plug it in, set your preferences, and close the door to the area.
This device will maintain a warmer ambient temperature without using excessive power. Just remember to occasionally check on it and remove nearby dust and debris near the tankless unit.
Use a Power Backup
What if your power goes out? Your tankless unit needs a power backup supply, like a generator, to heat water.
Many Media residents who have figured out how to prevent a tankless water heater from freezing have installed whole-home generators. You can also purchase a battery-powered heater for electrical outages from blizzards.
Don’t Leave Standing Water Unattended
Like many homeowners, you might travel out of town for days or even weeks each winter. Family moments make Thanksgiving, Christmas, and the New Year special, but please empty your tankless water heater before you drive away!
Consult your owner’s manual for the manufacturer’s instructions, or contact MVP Plumbing for assistance. You can also turn off your main water supply and empty each fixture. These measures eliminate any remaining liquid from your plumbing system.Â
Pipe networks with little to no water are less likely to freeze, burst, and cause damaging floods while you’re away.
Let the Water Supply Drip
Icy winter nights often call for a little extra protection. The trick of allowing each faucet to drip works perfectly, especially if you outfit your tankless heater with a recirculation pump. These pumps extend water circulation through a building so that every tap can produce heated water.
Turn the hot-water knobs so that the faucet barely drips. Warm water flows through your pipes, so your water heater continuously warms the water.
MVP Plumbing Knows How to Prevent a Tankless Water Heater From Freezing in Media, Pennsylvania
Now that you know how to prevent a tankless water heater from freezing, learn about these tankless water heater pros and cons to see if this modern appliance is right for your household. Then, contact MVP Plumbing about installing one in your Media household.
Frequently Asked Questions
Learn more about water heater winterization below.
Do I Have To Cover an Outdoor Tankless Water Heater?
Yes, you have to cover an outdoor tankless water heater. The insulated covers keep snow and ice off the appliance while enabling proper ventilation.
Are Tankless Water Heaters More Likely to Freeze?
Yes, tankless water heaters are more likely to freeze. Traditional ones constantly heat water, while tankless ones only heat the supply when you use it.
Can You Tell Me How To Prevent a Tankless Water Heater From Freezing Outdoors?
Yes, we can tell you how to prevent a tankless water heater from freezing outdoors. Schedule MVP Plumbing’s maintenance service in Media to learn more!