Are Northern Virginia Winters Hard on Outdoor Tankless Water Heaters?

Winters in Northern Virginia can bring freezing temperatures that put your home’s plumbing systems to the test. While frozen pipes are a common concern, tankless water heaters face similar risks.

With average winter lows in the upper 20s and occasional cold snaps that plunge temperatures into the teens, outdoor units are especially vulnerable. If your tankless water heater freezes, it can disrupt your hot water supply and damage the unit.

Here’s what you need to know to keep your tankless water heater running smoothly during the coldest months:

Why Do Tankless Water Heaters Freeze?

Unlike traditional water heaters, tankless models don’t store hot water, which means there’s no reservoir of warm water to protect the unit from freezing. Instead, water flows through the unit only when in use.

Outdoor tankless water heaters are particularly at risk since they’re directly exposed to the elements. While many newer models feature an automatic heating function that activates when temperatures drop, these safeguards can fail during prolonged cold or power outages, leaving your unit vulnerable to freezing.

Lasting Effects of Frozen Tankless Water Heaters

A frozen tankless water heater can lead to significant damage, potentially shortening the unit’s lifespan.

Ice expansion inside the system can crack pipes and internal components, resulting in expensive repairs or even the need for a complete replacement.

Repeated freezing and thawing cycles can also compromise the efficiency of your water heater over time, reducing its performance.

How To Thaw a Tankless Water Heater

If your tankless water heater freezes, act as quickly as possible to prevent further damage. Follow these steps to safely thaw your unit:

1. Turn off the water supply, power, and gas: Shut off the water, gas (if gas-powered), and electrical supply to the water heater to avoid damaging the unit during the thawing process. This will also prevent hazards such as electric shock or gas leaks.
2. Locate the frozen area: Inspect the water heater and its pipes to identify where the ice has formed.
3. Apply heat: Use a space heater, heat lamp, or hair dryer to gently warm the frozen area. Avoid open flames, as they can damage the unit or cause a fire hazard.
4. Check for leaks: Once the ice has melted, inspect the unit and surrounding pipes for cracks or leaks before restoring power, gas, and water.

If thawing doesn’t resolve the issue or you notice damage such as leaks or burst pipes, it’s time to call a professional plumber for tankless water heater repair.

Len The Plumber Heating & Air provides 24/7 tankless water heater repairs to get your system back in working order.

How To Prevent a Frozen Tankless Water Heater

Preventative measures can help you avoid the inconvenience and cost of a frozen tankless water heater.

Routine maintenance will keep your water heater in good health, but here are a few steps you can take to prevent it from freezing:

• Install the unit in a sheltered area: If possible, relocate or install your tankless water heater in a garage, utility room, or other protected space to shield it from the elements.
• Leave hot water dripping: When temperatures drop far below freezing, open one of your faucets and allow the hot water to drip continuously. The hot water will continue to run through the water heater, keeping it moving to prevent freezing.
• Use a backup power source: Hook your tankless water heater to a generator to ensure the unit’s built-in freeze protection stays operational during power outages.

Why Choose Us for Tankless Water Heater Services?

For fast and effective tankless water heater repair, count on Len The Plumber Heating & Air. With over 25 years of home service experience, our skilled technicians provide same day service seven days a week to ensure your home’s hot water is restored as quickly as possible.

We offer upfront pricing with no surprise fees, and our fully stocked trucks allow us to handle most repairs on the spot. Whether you need preventative maintenance or emergency repairs, we help you keep your tankless water heater running smoothly.

Contact us today to schedule cracked or burst pipe repair or tankless water heater repair in Northern Virginia.