How to Protect a Tankless Water Heater in Freezing Weather

The everyday wear is hard enough for tankless water heaters and extreme cold weather conditions make it even more difficult for these heating systems. Homeowners have to learn how to protect a tankless water heater in freezing weather in order to prevent damage and avoid the high cost of repairs and possibly even replacements. This kind of maintenance work done to prepare tankless water heaters for extreme cold weather conditions can be done by the homeowners themselves or by contractors who specialize in water heating and plumbing systems. The decision on whether to go for a DIY maintenance or to hire a professional would depend on the skills of the homeowner and his willingness to spend some elbow grease as well as the homeowner's budget. No matter which route a homeowner chooses to take, the fact remains that the job of keeping the tankless water heater from freezing over needs to be done properly in order to prevent the additional expense of having to do it over or to repair the unit because of a botched job.

Should the homeowner decide to learn how to protect a tankless water heater in freezing weather and do the job himself, he has to make sure that he is equipped both mentally, physically, and logistically to satisfactory complete the task. This means that he has to make sure that he is properly informed and guided through the process of freeze-proofing his water heating system, that he has the skills needed for the plumbing and electrical work involved, and that he has all the materials he needs to use for the maintenance work. An important thing to keep in mind before starting to do DIY tankless water heater maintenance is to take the necessary safety steps. Turning off the water heater and plugging it off from its power source is the first thing that a homeowner should do before starting any work. He should also make sure that whatever water is in the heating system and in the pipes are adequately cooled down to prevent him from sustaining injuries such as burns. It is always a good idea to refer to the tankless water heater's manufacturer's manual in order to avoid doing anything that could damage the equipment.

Those who have a little more money to spare and do not want to bother with learning how to protect a tankless water heater in freezing weather themselves could choose to hire a contractor to do the job for them. These contractors should be experts in plumbing and water heating systems and are tried and tested in terms of quality and affordability of service. Finding these contractors is easy enough through online service directories listing contractors within specific areas. Homeowners could also ask around to find out which contractors their neighbors and friends have hired in the past. Word of mouth is usually a reliable source of information about how competent and efficient contractors are. It is also a good idea to find out what kind of training and accreditation particular contractors have under their belt as an indication of their professionalism, their compliance to regulatory and industry standards, and their commitment to delivering only the best services possible.




By Patrick Tjandra
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7062999