Frozen Outdoor Tankless Water Heater in Columbia, SC

Cold snaps in the Midlands are rare, but when one hits, outdoor tankless water heaters are some of the first things to fail. Kevin Tidwell of Crew Plumbing & Drain saw it firsthand during the December 2022 deep freeze and talked about it on local TV.

Call (803) 995-9282

Why outdoor tankless heaters freeze

As Kevin explained to WLTX News 19, many of the newer, efficient tankless units don't turn on until someone runs hot water. When the water sitting inside freezes, the unit can't start, and it can end up frozen solid or cracked.

What to do when it's freezing out

  • Open the cabinet doors under sinks so warm air from the house can reach pipes on exterior walls.
  • Keep faucets on a slow drip in several parts of the house during the coldest hours.
  • Know where your water shut-off is, and if you have a meter key, how to use it. Shutting off the water quickly limits damage if something bursts.
  • If your outdoor heater stops producing hot water or you see ice, cracks, or leaking, shut off the water to the unit and call a plumber instead of trying to restart it.

When you need a plumber

If your tankless water heater won't fire, is leaking, or has frozen, call or text us. During a freeze, phone lines fill up quickly, so texting your name, address, and a short description of the problem is often the fastest way to get in line.

We serve Columbia, Irmo, Cayce, West Columbia, Lexington, Blythewood, Chapin, Forest Acres, and the rest of Richland and Lexington counties. Water heater installation, repair, and replacement are among our core services.

Call (803) 995-9282

Sending a plumber out for an on-site inspection has an $89 house-call fee, which is credited toward the job if you move forward with the work.

As Featured in Local News

When the deep freeze hit the Midlands, Columbia's local TV stations talked to Kevin Tidwell about what homeowners were facing.