If you have water heater frozen issue, then you need to know how to unfreeze tankless water heater. Just because the tankless water heater is the latest innovation and development of the tech, it doesn’t always mean it’s 100% free of problems.
The water heater can still freeze when exposed to very cold temperatures or if it’s being installed within an unheated space without proper insulation.
How to Tell if a Tankless Water Heater Is Frozen
You need to know the symptoms of a frozen heater so you can deal with it:
- Limited flow or no hot water. If you only have a trickle of warm water (or even hot water completely), it could be a sign that the water heater’s internal components, like the heat exchanger, are frozen.
- Strange vibrations or noises. You may hear unusual noises or vibrations from the tankless water heater, which could indicate that ice or frost is affecting its normal operation.
- Warning lights or error codes. Modern tankless water heaters often have error codes or warning lights indicating various issues. Check the display for any error codes related to freezing or temperature issues.
Will Turning up the Water Heater Unfreeze the Pipes?
It may help a little bit, but it’s not a guaranteed solution, especially if the pipes are completely frozen or if other factors are at play, such as a blockage in the pipe. If you think about turning up the heater, you need to:
- Increase the water temperature. When you turn the heater up, you’re increasing the temperature of the water that flows through the pipes. Warmer water can help to thaw any ice or frost inside the pipes.
- Promote the flow. Hot water can start to melt the ice or snow inside the pipes, creating a flow of water that can gradually thaw the entire pipe.
Read also: What is the Downside of a Tankless Water Heater?
But you should also remember that if the pipes are severely frozen or have a solid blockage, simply turning up the water heater may not be enough to thaw them. You may need to use additional thawing methods, such as a heat gun, hairdryer, or heating pad directly applied to the frozen areas.
Not to mention that the process is slow. Thawing the pipes with hot water can be a slow process. Patience is key, and it might take some time for the heat to travel through the length of the frozen pipe.
Don’t forget about safety precautions. Pay attention to the heating appliances and devices. Avoid using open flames or high heat sources near flammable materials. Safety should always be a priority.
How to Unfreeze a Tankless Water Heater
So, want to know how to unfreeze tankless water heater? There are some possible ways to do it, but make sure that you thaw the heater first to avoid damage.
Read also: What Size of Tankless Water Heater Do I Need?
- Turn the power off or the gas supply. Before thawing the unit, turn the power or gas supply off to the tankless water heater. This is crucial for safety and to prevent further issues.
- Locate the frozen area. Find out where the tankless water heater is frozen. This is often visible as ice or frost accumulation on the unit’s exterior.
- Focus on vulnerable areas. Pay attention to vulnerable parts of the unit, such as pipes, valves, and the heat exchanger. These areas are more likely to freeze and obstruct water flow.
- Check for the water flow. When you have thawed the frozen areas, you need to turn the water tap on to check if the water is flowing normally. If the water flows without obstruction, you have successfully thawed the unit.
- Check for damage. Check the unit for any obvious damage, such as cracked pipes or components. If you notice damage, it’s essential to have a professional plumber or technician assess and repair the unit.
- Monitor the performance. Pay attention to the performance of the tankless water heater over the next few days to ensure it’s functioning properly, and there are no lingering issues.
These are some of the things that you can do about how to unfreeze tankless water heater.
