Joined Dec 2003
Benevolent Dictator
Forum Thread
Tankless water heater pipe freeze prevention
December 30, 2017 at
03:41 PM
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So a few years ago I built a new house. I live in the South, so the days we live under 32 degrees for any period of time are limited.
However, our forecast is for about a week with a high never breaking 30 degrees, and lows near zero.
I have a Rinnai tankless water heater on the side of my house, and I love it. Being the only guy in a house full of chicks it ensures that I always get a hot shower. Best. Invention. Ever.
But, the a few feet of pipes are exposed and are just wrapped in foam, with a metal cover for the water heater between those pipes and the freezing temperatures outside.
I need an easy solution to keep the pipes defrozenified. I bought some heat tape at Lowe's, but the shortest run was 6' and there is absolutely NO way I can get six feet of tape on those pipes.
I'm thinking maybe a 100W ceramic lizard warmer in a ceramic light sock plugged into that outlet might work. I'm open to other suggestions though, as I now some of you folks live in areas that see more days below zero than above.
Suggestions?
However, our forecast is for about a week with a high never breaking 30 degrees, and lows near zero.
I have a Rinnai tankless water heater on the side of my house, and I love it. Being the only guy in a house full of chicks it ensures that I always get a hot shower. Best. Invention. Ever.
But, the a few feet of pipes are exposed and are just wrapped in foam, with a metal cover for the water heater between those pipes and the freezing temperatures outside.
I need an easy solution to keep the pipes defrozenified. I bought some heat tape at Lowe's, but the shortest run was 6' and there is absolutely NO way I can get six feet of tape on those pipes.
I'm thinking maybe a 100W ceramic lizard warmer in a ceramic light sock plugged into that outlet might work. I'm open to other suggestions though, as I now some of you folks live in areas that see more days below zero than above.
Suggestions?
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I have since stuffed foam insulation wrap in every opening that was possible in the box.
B. The metal enclosure is not a farady cage. EM waves will easily pass the gaps. You could put a remote thermometer in there, but there's no point.
B. The metal enclosure is not a farady cage. EM waves will easily pass the gaps. You could put a remote thermometer in there, but there's no point.
Not the OP - but I have mine outside also & to answer your question:
1) Space configuration purposes
2) Easier to vent
But yeah, regardless of where you are from, seems pretty dumb to install anything water-related on the exterior of the house, especially if it's powered. I wouldn't want to risk external water intrusion in a heater like this as it's not rated for weatherability. Plus, installing it inside makes powering it easier as well.