If you own a tankless water heater, you may occasionally experience it freezing up, particularly during cold weather. This can be a frustrating problem, but don’t worry, there are some simple steps you can take to unfreeze your tankless water heater and get your hot water running again.
In this blog post, we will provide you with some tips on how to unfreeze your tankless water heater.
What causes a tankless water heater to freeze up?
Tankless water heaters are designed to provide hot water on demand, so they typically do not store water like traditional tank-style water heaters. However, they can still freeze up, particularly during cold weather. When water freezes, it expands, which can cause damage to the components of your tankless water heater. If your water heater freezes, it can cause a blockage in the water lines, which will prevent hot water from flowing through the unit.
Steps to unfreeze your tankless water heater
Turn off power and gas supply
The first step to unfreezing your tankless water heater is to turn off the power and gas supply to the unit. This will prevent any damage to the electrical or gas components of the water heater.
Check for water leaks
Next, check for any water leaks around the unit. If there is a leak, it could be an indication that your water heater has frozen and burst. If this is the case, you will need to call a professional plumber to repair the unit.
Locate the frozen area
Once you have ruled out any leaks, try to locate the frozen area. This will typically be in the water lines leading to or from the tankless water heater. You can usually tell where the freeze is by feeling the water lines for any areas that are colder than others.
Thaw the frozen area
To thaw the frozen area, you can use a space heater, hairdryer, or heat lamp. Place the heater or lamp near the frozen area and allow it to heat up for several hours. This should be enough to melt the ice and thaw out the water lines.
Turn the power and gas supply back on
Once you have successfully thawed the frozen area, turn the power and gas supply back on. You should now have hot water flowing through your tankless water heater again.
Preventative measures to avoid tankless water heater freeze up
To prevent your tankless water heater from freezing up in the future, there are a few preventative measures you can take.
Insulate your water lines
One of the easiest ways to prevent your tankless water heater from freezing up is to insulate your water lines. You can purchase foam insulation sleeves from your local hardware store and wrap them around the water lines leading to and from your water heater.
Keep your home heated
Keeping your home heated during the winter months can also help prevent your tankless water heater from freezing up. If your home is heated, the water lines leading to your water heater are less likely to freeze.
Open cabinets
If you have water lines located in cabinets, such as under your kitchen sink, leave the cabinet doors open during cold weather. This will allow warm air to circulate around the water lines and prevent them from freezing.
Conclusion
Unfreezing your tankless water heater is a simple process that can be accomplished with a few basic tools and some patience. By taking preventative measures, such as insulating your water lines and keeping your home heated, you can avoid a tankless water heater from freezing up in the future.
If you’re experiencing issues with your tankless water heater or any plumbing problems, don’t hesitate to contact Discount Plumbing San Diego. Our team of professional plumbers can help you with all your plumbing needs, from repairs and maintenance to installations. Contact us today for fast and reliable service.