Most Atlanta-area homeowners know how to keep their pipes from freezing when the temperature drops, but not many know that their tankless water heater could also freeze. 

A frozen tankless water heater is not as common as frozen pipes, but it’s important to know how to keep your tankless water heater from freezing and thaw it if it does. This will help you get the most out of your unit over its long service life and avoid unexpected repairs or an early replacement.

Why Do Tankless Water Heaters Freeze?

Unlike traditional water heaters that are always radiating heat from water stored in the tank, tankless water heaters are more likely to freeze in cold weather because they only run when you turn on a hot water tap.

Tankless water heaters are designed with built-in freeze protection, but power outages and low temperatures can still cause them to freeze, especially if they’re installed in a garage or outside.

How To Prevent a Frozen Tankless Water Heater

If you know that inclement weather is on its way, you can take the following steps to make sure your tankless water heater is less likely to freeze:

• Leave the hot water running: Water is less likely to freeze when it’s in motion. Your next water bill could be slightly higher, but it will be less expensive than a water heater repair or replacement.
• Insulate the tankless water heater pipes: Wrap them in an insulating material to prevent cold air from reaching them.
• Connect your tankless water heater to a generator: Most tankless water heaters have built-in freeze protection that only works when there’s power. To maintain this feature during a power outage, ensure a generator can power your tankless water heater.

How To Thaw a Tankless Water Heater

A frozen tankless water heater can lead to frozen pipes, which can cause severe water damage to your home.

Don’t attempt to thaw the system yourself if you notice any leaks. Call a plumber to thaw it for you.

If you don’t think it’s leaking, start thawing your unit immediately. Here’s how:

1. Turn off the gas and water valves for the unit.
2. Turn off the circuit breaker serving your tankless water heater.
3. Wait a few minutes for the system to start thawing.
4. Open the water supply valve so that water can drain.
5. Check the unit, surrounding piping, internal parts, and outdoor pipes for leaks.
6. If water flows normally without any leaks, open the valves and flip the breaker back on.

Choose UAT for Top-Rated Tankless Water Heater Services in Atlanta, GA

If you’re looking for a reliable team of plumbers to service your tankless water heater, reach out to United Air Temp for repair and replacement in Atlanta.

We’ve delivered customer satisfaction since 1931, and our trained technicians have the expertise and tools to provide plumbing services you can count on.

Each member of our team values and delivers high-quality customer service, so you can trust our plumbers to go the extra mile to protect your home’s comfort and investments.

Request a tankless water heater service today by calling (404) 467-2148.