Article Contents
The Issue: Pipe Freezing
One common reason for a lack of hot water during winter is frozen pipes. In extremely cold conditions, the incoming water pipes can freeze, which blocks the flow of water into your system. When this happens, even if your water heater is working properly, the frozen pipes prevent water from reaching it, resulting in little or no hot water throughout your home.
Defrost Cycle
To prevent frozen pipes and ensure reliable operation during cold weather, your system automatically activates a defrost cycle. This process is a built-in safety feature designed to keep both air conditioning units and hot water heat pumps functioning efficiently in low temperatures. When the external temperature drops and frost begins to form on the coils or pipes, the system temporarily reverses its operation to generate warmth internally. The heated water produced during this phase is circulated back through the pipes, gently melting any ice that may have accumulated and restoring normal water flow.
As this happens, it’s completely normal to notice water pooling or dripping around the base of the unit. This isn’t a leak or a malfunction. It’s simply condensation forming as a result of the defrost process. The temperature difference between the warm internal components and the cold outside air causes moisture to condense on the outer surface of the pipes. With this process, there’s no such as thing as “too much water” coming from your unit. In fact, visible water around the unit is often a reassuring sign that the defrost cycle is functioning correctly, helping your system stay efficient and preventing costly freeze-related damage.
Additional Solutions
If your system is consistently freezing during winter, it’s often a sign that your pipes are not properly insulated. Insulating your water pipes can significantly reduce heat loss and help maintain a consistent temperature, even in sub-zero conditions. If you believe that this is a common issue, feel free to contact us by raising a Support Ticket. From here, we can help to adequately insulate your system.
If your pipes have already frozen, thawing can also help with speeding up the defrosting process if you need hot water in a pinch. One safe method is to pour hot but not boiling water over the affected section. Boiling water can create a sudden temperature change, which may crack or burst the pipe. Alternatively, you can use a hairdryer or a warm towel to gently apply heat. Always start from the section nearest to the tap and work backward toward the frozen area to ensure that melting water can escape through the open faucet. Taking these precautions not only restores water flow safely but also helps prevent future freezing issues.
If you have any additional enquiries or encounter issues with your system, contact us by raising a Support Ticket and we can investigate the issues further.