Say Goodbye to Winter Water Woes: How to Winterize Your Girard Tankless Water Heater Effortlessly

As the cold weather approaches, it’s essential to winterize your Girard tankless water heater to prevent costly damage caused by freezing temperatures. This guide will provide you with step-by-step instructions on how to winterize your Girard tankless water heater effectively.

Understanding the Importance of Winterization

Water expands when it freezes, which can cause severe damage to your tankless water heater‘s internal components. By winterizing your water heater, you’re removing the water from the system and preventing it from freezing. This will protect your water heater from cracking, bursting, or other damage.

Materials Required

Before you begin, gather the following materials:

• Bypass valve kit
• Drain hose
• Bucket
• Screwdriver
• Pliers
• Antifreeze (propylene glycol-based)

Step-by-Step Winterization Instructions

1. Turn Off Power and Gas Supply

Turn off the power supply to your water heater at the circuit breaker. Close the gas valve located near the base of the water heater.

2. Install Bypass Valve Kit

Remove the cold water inlet pipe from the water heater and install the bypass valve kit in its place. This will allow you to isolate the water heater from the water supply.

3. Drain the Water Heater

Attach the drain hose to the drain valve on the bottom of the water heater. Open the drain valve and allow the water to drain into a bucket. Continue draining until no more water comes out.

4. Add Antifreeze

Once the water has been drained, add antifreeze to the water heater through the drain valve. Use a funnel to avoid spilling. Fill the water heater until the antifreeze reaches the top of the drain valve.

5. Close the Drain Valve and Remove the Drain Hose

Close the drain valve tightly and remove the drain hose.

6. Turn On the Bypass Valve

Turn on the bypass valve to allow water to flow through the water heater again. This will help circulate the antifreeze throughout the system.

7. Turn On the Power and Gas Supply

Turn on the power supply at the circuit breaker and open the gas valve. Your water heater should now be winterized and protected from freezing temperatures.

Additional Tips

• If you’re not comfortable winterizing your Girard tankless water heater yourself, contact a licensed plumber for assistance.
• Use only propylene glycol-based antifreeze. Other types of antifreeze can damage your water heater.
• Store your Girard tankless water heater in a warm, dry place during the winter if it’s not in use.
• Check your water heater regularly during the winter to ensure it’s still winterized and functioning properly.

Troubleshooting

If you encounter any problems winterizing your Girard tankless water heater, refer to the following troubleshooting tips:

• If water is leaking from the drain valve, ensure that the valve is closed tightly.
• If the bypass valve is not working properly, replace it with a new one.
• If the water heater is still not heating after being winterized, contact a licensed plumber for professional assistance.

Final Note

Winterizing your Girard tankless water heater is a crucial step in preparing for the cold weather. By following these instructions carefully, you can protect your water heater from damage and ensure it’s ready for use when you need it most.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What are the signs that my Girard tankless water heater needs winterization?

A: If you live in an area with freezing temperatures, it’s best to winterize your Girard tankless water heater before the cold weather arrives.

Q: How often should I winterize my Girard tankless water heater?

A: It’s recommended to winterize your Girard tankless water heater annually before the onset of freezing temperatures.

Q: Can I use any type of antifreeze to winterize my Girard tankless water heater?

A: No, only use propylene glycol-based antifreeze. Other types of antifreeze can damage your water heater.