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How to Prepare Your Tankless Water Heater for Cold Weather
How to Prepare Your Tankless Water Heater for Cold Weather
Updated over 6 months ago

You may be wondering how to best prepare your tankless water heater for the upcoming cold months. Below you will find tips for different models to ensure your Eccotemp Tankless Water Heater stays in top shape.

PORTABLE WATER HEATERS

Portable tankless water heaters are not meant for permanent installation and should always be drained, taken down, and stored in a warm environment when not in use. This prevents water from freezing, expanding, and bursting the internal pipes.

Important Tips:

  • DO NOT leave your portable water heater outside in the elements; rain, dust, bugs, and mice can damage it.

  • These heaters should NEVER be permanently installed outside, especially during cold and wet weather.

Remember that freeze damage voids your warranty and neither of us wants that! Always protect your water heater from the elements!

FVI12 and i12

Even though these are indoor tankless water heaters, they are still susceptible to freezing temperatures. Follow these precautions:

  • Leave the faucet dripping when temperatures drop below 32°F (0°C).

  • Open cabinet doors under sinks to let home heat keep the pipes warm.

  • Wrap your piping and valves in insulation material as instructed in your manual.

  • If your water heater is in a vacation cabin or other seasonal location, drain, disconnect, and store it in a warm, dry place.

Notice: Unplugging the electric supply cord does not protect the unit from freeze damage.

20H/20HI, 45H/45HI, and EL22/EL22i Series

These series have built-in anti-freeze technology to help protect the water heater from freezing temperatures. However, this only protects the unit itself, not the pipes leading to and from it.

Important Tips:

  • Ensure all pipes are adequately protected from freezing.

  • The anti-freeze technology does not guarantee full protection; take all necessary precautions.

  • Keep the power on to activate the automatic heating device.

If extreme cold or ice storms occur, follow these steps:

  1. Shut off the main gas valve and power.

  2. Shut off the inlet water valve.

  3. Open all faucets.

  4. Open the drain valve and allow water to drain for 3 minutes or until the unit is empty.

  5. Ensure all water is out, replace the drain valve, and shut off the faucets.

The most important thing to remember during the winter is to take all precautions to protect your tankless water heater.

Need Help?

If you have any questions, feel free to contact our support team via Live Chat or by sending an email to [email protected].

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