Tankless water heaters are becoming increasingly popular for their energy efficiency and space-saving design. However, when winter rolls around, it’s important to take steps to protect your tankless water heater from freezing temperatures. In this article, we’ll go over the steps you need to take to winterize your tankless water heater and protect it from damage.
Turn off the Power
The first step in winterizing your tankless water heater is to turn off the power supply. This can typically be done by flipping the breaker switch for the water heater in your home’s electrical panel. This will ensure that the water heater is not drawing any electricity while it’s not in use.
Shut off the Water Supply
Next, you’ll need to shut off the water supply to the tankless water heater. This can typically be done by turning a valve located near the water heater. Make sure to turn the valve completely to ensure that no water is flowing into the unit.
Drain the Water Heater
Once the power and water supply have been shut off, you’ll need to drain the water heater to prevent any remaining water from freezing and causing damage to the unit. To do this, attach a garden hose to the drain valve on the bottom of the water heater and direct the other end of the hose to a drain or outside. Open the drain valve and allow all the water to drain out of the unit.
Remove and Store the Water Filter
Many tankless water heaters have a water filter that needs to be removed and stored during the winter months. Refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for how to remove the filter from your specific model. Once the filter is removed, clean it thoroughly and store it in a safe place until you’re ready to use the water heater again.
Insulate the Pipes
To further protect your tankless water heater from freezing temperatures, you can insulate the pipes leading to and from the unit. This can be done using foam pipe insulation, which can be found at most hardware or home improvement stores. Simply wrap the insulation around the pipes and secure it with duct tape or zip ties.
Cover the Water Heater
Finally, you can cover the tankless water heater with a specialized cover designed for this purpose. This can help protect the unit from the elements and further insulate it against freezing temperatures. If you don’t have a cover, you can use a tarp or other waterproof material to cover the unit.
Additional Tips
- If you live in an area with particularly harsh winters, you may want to consider installing a freeze protection kit for your tankless water heater. These kits use a small amount of electricity to keep the unit warm and prevent freezing.
- Before winterizing your tankless water heater, it’s important to read the manufacturer’s instructions for your specific model. Some models may have different requirements or recommendations for winterizing.
- After winter is over and you’re ready to use your tankless water heater again, make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for restarting the unit. This may involve flushing the unit with water and checking for any leaks or damage.
Conclusion
Winterizing your tankless water heater is an important step in protecting it from freezing temperatures and potential damage. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can ensure that your tankless water heater is properly prepared for winter and will continue to function properly for years to come. If you have any questions or concerns about winterizing your tankless water heater, don’t hesitate to contact a licensed plumber for assistance.
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