How to Thaw Tankless Water Heater
Are you having trouble keeping your tankless water heater working at the top of its game? If the answer is yes, you’re not alone! As these hot water systems are designed to provide continuous hot water on demand, they need regular maintenance in order to keep their performance level high.
One way to help extend their life and prevent repairs is through human-induced ‘power cycling’. During this process, a tankless water heater should be shut off and allowed to thaw out every few months or so in order for it to remain operating safely and efficiently. In this blog post we’ll discuss how to thaw tankless water heater. Let’s get started!
When your tankless water heater stops functioning properly, it can be a frustrating experience. In some cases, it may simply need to be thawed out before usage. Thawing out your tankless water heater is not difficult, and you can usually get the system back to full functionality in no time at all. Here, we’ll provide you with the necessary steps for thawing a frozen or partially frozen tankless water heater of any make and model so that you know exactly what to do when this problem arises.
Why Do You Need to Thaw Tankless Water Heater?
You may need to thaw a tankless water heater for many reasons. Such as:
1. To Prevent Any Hot Water From Flowing
One of the main reasons for thawing a tankless water heater is to stop hot water from flowing. If the temperature of a tankless water heater drops below freezing point, ice crystals can form and block the flow of hot water from the heater. By thawing out your tankless water heater, you will be able to get hot water again without any issues.
2. To Avoid Damage
Another important reason why you need to thaw a tankless water heater is the potential damage that it could cause if left unthawed. When the water in a tankless water heater freezes, it can cause the pipes and other components of the system to expand and crack or break. This can lead to costly repairs and potentially even require replacing the entire system.
3. To Increase Efficiency
Finally, thawing out your tankless water heater can also help to increase its efficiency. As ice builds up in the water heater, it will reduce the flow of hot water and cause the unit to work harder to produce hot water. By thawing the water heater, you will be able to get hot water more efficiently and save money on your energy bills in the process.
Now that we have discussed why it is important to thaw a tankless water heater, let’s look at how you can do it safely and effectively.
How to Thaw Tankless Water Heater in 7 Easy Steps
Step 1: Shut Off the Power to Your Tankless Water Heater
The very first step is to turn off the power to your tankless water heater. To do this, simply switch off the circuit breaker that supplies power to your unit. Also make sure to turn off the gas valve, if applicable.
Step 2: Drain the Tankless Water Heater
Now it’s time to drain your tankless water heater. You should first connect a garden hose or some other suitable drainage tool to the cold-water inlet pipe. Once connected, open the hot water tap at the lowest point in your home to drain all the water from the tank.
Step 3: Remove the Inlet and Outlet Connections
If you have an outdoor tankless water heater, then you should remove both the inlet and outlet connections. This will help speed up the thawing process since these two pipes are usually where most of the freezing occurs.
Step 4: Use a Hairdryer to Thaw the Tankless Water Heater
Now it’s time to thaw your tankless water heater. The best way to do this is with a hairdryer. Start by focusing the heat of the dryer on the inlet and outlet connections, then move onto the other exposed pipes.
Step 5: Check for Frozen Pipes
Once you’ve finished using the hairdryer, it’s time to check for any frozen pipes. If any remain frozen, you should use a heat lamp or space heater to thaw them out. Be sure to keep the temperature of the heater below 120 degrees Fahrenheit.
Step 6: Reconnect Inlet and Outlet Connections
Once all frozen pipes have been thawed out, you should reconnect the inlet and outlet connections. Make sure to tighten these up securely. Make sure also to turn the gas valve back on, if applicable.
Step 7: Turn the Power Back On
Now that all of the above steps have been completed, you should turn the power back on to your tankless water heater. Once this is done, you should be able to enjoy hot water from your unit once again. Make sure to check the water temperature before taking a shower or washing dishes to ensure it is at the right temperature.
And that’s all there is to it! By following these seven steps, you can easily thaw out a tankless water heater in no time. Just remember to always turn off the power before attempting any maintenance work on your unit and to keep the temperature of any heat sources below 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Good luck, and happy thawing!
Frequently Asked Questions
What Precautions Should I Take when Thawing a Tankless Water Heater?
Thawing a tankless water heater can be dangerous and should not be done without taking the proper safety precautions. It is important to shut off all power sources in the unit, including both electricity and gas. Additionally, it is recommended that you wear protective gear while attempting to unthaw the unit, as it can be very cold and wet.
Finally, it is also recommended that you have a professional come out to assess the situation before attempting to thaw the tankless water heater yourself.
How Long Does It Take To Thaw A Tankless Water Heater?
The time it takes to thaw a tankless water heater depends on several factors, such as the temperature outside, how thick the ice is, and how long it has been frozen. Generally speaking, if you follow the proper safety precautions and take time to defrost the unit properly, it should take anywhere from 30 minutes to a few hours.
If you are able to find the source of the frozen pipes and defrost it, this may speed up the process. Additionally, some tankless water heaters have a built-in defrosting feature that can drastically reduce the amount of time needed to thaw it.
What Can I Do To Prevent My Tankless Water Heater From Freezing In The Future?
To help prevent your tankless water heater from freezing in the future, it is important to keep all of its components properly maintained. This includes checking and replacing air filters regularly and ensuring that the exhaust vents are free of any blockages. Additionally, you should check on the temperature of your unit to ensure that it is set to a warm enough temperature (usually between 120 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit).
Finally, keeping the water lines insulated is also important, as this can help reduce the risk of freezing.
How Do I Know if My Tankless Water Heater Is Frozen?
If your tankless water heater is frozen, you may experience several different signs or symptoms. One of the most common indications is a lack of hot water or no water coming out at all. Additionally, you may also notice that your unit is making strange noises and vibrating more than normal. Finally, if you can visibly see frost or ice on any parts of the unit, this is another indication that your tankless water heater may be frozen.
Should I Call a Professional to Help Thaw My Tankless Water Heater?
Due to the complexity of thawing a tankless water heater, it is usually recommended that you call in a professional for help. Professional plumbers are experienced in dealing with frozen pipes and will be able to properly assess the situation before attempting any type of maintenance work.
Additionally, they will also have the necessary tools and equipment to safely and efficiently thaw out your unit. Make sure to research and compare different plumbers in your area before deciding who to contact.
Conclusion
Now you know how to thaw tankless water heater. When thawing a tankless water heater, it is important to take all the necessary safety precautions and make sure that all power sources are shut off.
Additionally, you should keep in mind that the amount of time it takes to properly thaw your unit can vary depending on several factors. Finally, by taking preventative measures such as regularly inspecting and maintaining your unit, you can help reduce the risk of freezing in the future.
Angela Ervin
Angela is the executive editor of DIY quickly. She began her career as an interior designer before applying her strategic and creative passion to lifestyle and home. She has close to 15 years of experience in creative writing and online content strategy for housekeeping, home decorations as well as other niche efforts. She loves her job and has the privilege of working with an extraordinary team. She lives with her husband, two sons, and daughter in Petersburg. When she's not busy working she spent time with her family.
