Can Water Heater Freeze and How to Prevent It??

There's little doubt that a hot water heater can freeze - particularly if it has prolonged power outages or is left outside in extremely cold weather. It is rare for your hot water heater to freeze because of the way they are made. However, it might freeze if you don’t take proper care of your water heater. 

When the temperature drops, the water in your hot water heater freezes, and the pipes enlarge. Your hot water heater will shut down at that point. However, in certain cases, if the pipe swells excessively, it may rupture and fill your house with water. 

There are several reasons why your water heater may freeze. We have explained some of them below -  

1. Hot Water Heater Location (Garage, Attic, or Basement)

Your hot water heater is more likely to freeze if it is kept in the garage or basement. Also, if you don’t use it frequently - it is at risk of freezing. Even if your water heater is not in operation - there is water in the pipes, which might freeze - causing the pipes to swell. 

If your water heater is located in an uninsulated area like a garage, attic, or basement, the cold air can seep in, making it harder to maintain optimal water temperatures.

2. Temperature Outside Your Home

Low outdoor temperatures can cause the water heater to freeze. This usually happens when it can lead to water heater freezing by causing the water inside the heater or its pipes to drop below freezing. This would stop your hot water heater from operating. 

Frozen water in the pipes expands, causing them to burst or the water heater tank to crack. This usually happens if there is insufficient insulation around the heater or its pipes. Hence, it is important to have proper insulation to mitigate the risk of water heater freezing.

3. Prolonged Power Outages

Modern water heaters rely on electricity to maintain water temperature within the tank and connected pipes. When there is no power for a very long time - the heating elements remain inoperative for a long time. This causes the water to cool down gradually. 

When the temperature is freezing cold, the cooling process accelerates, freezing the water inside the pipes. When water freezes, the pipes can burst and also damage the water heater. Even with insulation, if the water heater remains shut down for a long period of time - it fails to retain enough heat to keep the water heater from freezing. 

4. Not Keeping The Water Heater In Use

Everybody loves vacationing during winter - which means - there will be little to no use of water heater. When the water is not used for a long period of time - it becomes vulnerable to freezing in sub-zero temperatures. 

The inactive flow of water and lack of water movement causes the system to freeze by allowing the standing water in the heater to cool. This is a problem more often if your water heater is located in the basement or attic. 

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How To Winterize Your Water Heater To Prevent Freezing?

Here, we’ve discussed some tips to winter-proof your water heater - 

1. Maintain Surrounding Temperatures Above Freezing

It is advised to maintain the surrounding temperatures of the water heater above freezing. It keeps them from freezing. This can be done by properly insulating the space and making sure that there are no air leaks or drafts that might let chilly air in.

Furthermore, if the water heater is located in a basement or garage, ensure that these areas are sufficiently heated during the winter. You may greatly lower the chance of your water heater freezing by maintaining the outside temperature above freezing.

2. Insulate Tanks And Pipes

Insulating the tanks and pipelines is another way to keep water heaters from freezing. Insulation helps the pipes retain heat by keeping cold air from getting into the water. You can cover the pipes with heat tape or use pipe insulation sleeves to do this.

You can also insulate the tanks to keep the temperature stable and prevent unit freezing. You can find several ready-to-install insulation options, such as foam insulation kits or insulating blankets. This adds a layer of protection against freezing.

3. Empty The Pipes

Another best way to avoid water freezing and causing damage is - empty the pipes that are linked to the water heater prior to a prolonged freeze. This is particularly crucial if you anticipate a sharp drop in temperature that will last for a long time.

It is easier to drain the pipes. All you need to do is - shut off the heater's water supply, open all of the system-connected taps, and allow the water to run out entirely. This will assist in getting rid of any water that can freeze and harm the pipes and water heater.

4. Consider A Freeze-Resistant Model

Get your hands on a freeze-resistant water heater model. This is best - if you reside in an exceptionally low temperatures regions or are worried about freezing. These models are made especially to survive subfreezing temperatures without breaking down.

Look for features like - additional insulation, heat traps, and temperature control systems. Newer models are often integrated with these to keep them from freezing. You can talk to you rneighborhood reliable plumbers to find the best choice for your unique requirements before investing in a freeze-resistant model.

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