Charleston may not be known for long, harsh winters, but every year we see at least a few nights when the temperature dips below freezing. If you have a tankless water heater mounted on the outside of your home, those cold nights can pose a real risk. Frozen pipes or a frozen heat exchanger can cause serious damage, leaving you without hot water and facing costly repairs. Fortunately, there are a couple of simple steps you can take to prevent problems before the next freeze hits.
Insulate the Pipes Leading to the Heater
The pipes leading in and out of your tankless water heater are the most vulnerable part of the system during freezing weather. Once water inside those pipes freezes, it expands and can cause them to crack or split. That means leaks and water damage once everything thaws out.
The fix is simple add insulation to those pipes. Foam pipe insulation sleeves are inexpensive, easy to install, and make a big difference. Pay close attention to any exposed fittings or elbows as well, since those spots can be more prone to freezing. A little insulation now can save you from a big mess later.
Drip a Hot Water Faucet to Keep Water Moving
Another smart way to protect your tankless water heater during a freeze is to open a hot water faucet inside your home and let it drip slowly. This keeps water moving through the heater and attached lines, which helps prevent freezing.
It’s important to note that the flow from a dripping faucet is not enough to activate the burner inside the tankless unit. That means the water won’t be heated, but it will continue to move through the pipes. Moving water takes much longer to freeze than standing water, giving your system an extra layer of protection during cold snaps.
Stay Ahead of Freezing Weather
With just a little preparation, you can protect your tankless water heater and enjoy peace of mind all winter long. Insulating the pipes and dripping a hot water faucet are simple steps that go a long way toward preventing costly damage.
