The frigid temperatures of winter along the western seaboard can put many of your home’s plumbing components in jeopardy. When water freezes, it expands and destroys pipes. Burst pipes can cause a plumbing emergency, but there is yet another component that you have to be mindful of — your home’s water heater.
Take Added Precautions to Protect Your Water Heater in the Winter
Just like freezing water can wreak havoc on your home’s pipes, it can do the exact same thing with your water heater. If your water heater is not properly insulated from the freezing cold temperatures of the outdoors, the water left inside can expand and cause internal damage. This is more than just an inconvenience — you could be left to foot the bill for a new water heater. Luckily, you can take proactive measures to avoid this fate.
Protect Your Tankless Water Heater
If your home is equipped with a tankless water heater, you have to be mindful of any time excess water is left behind in the unit. When water is left to pool behind, it can freeze, expand and cause damage to the unit. The following are some ways that you can provide your tankless water heater with the protection it needs throughout the winter:
- Insulate all pipes to avoid freezing
- Completely drain the heater if you are not going to use it for a prolonged period of time
- Always keep it plugged in so the freeze protection system can operate
- Install the heater in a warm spot
If you are too late, and you have sustained damage to a tankless water heater, connect with the team at [company_name] for repair or replacement services.
What to Do With Your Tank Water Heater Over the Winter
Many of the same concepts associated with protecting your tankless water heater apply to the tank variety. Insulating both internal and external pipes not only helps you avoid burst pipes, but it also provides for better energy efficiency. You’ll want to insulate the actual tank, too, if it isn’t already (most new tank water heaters are).
Start each winter season off with a thorough inspection by a licensed professional. And, if you’re going to be out of your home for a long time, consider draining the tank to avoid freezing. Also, with a tank water heater, make sure that both the intake and exhaust vents are completely cleared. It’s important to check them each year.
Connect With Us for Your Water Heater Needs
Installing, repairing and maintaining tankless and tank water heaters is work that should be reserved for trained professionals. If you have water heater needs, contact the experienced staff at [company_name]. We have various offices in western Washington. Besides water heaters, we offer drain cleaning, septic tank services and pipe repairs to Seattle and the surrounding areas.
