Noritz Freeze Protection Failure / Frozen Piping

Noritz water heater installed outdoors will not operate in cold weather; visible ice or frost on piping or unit.

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Safety Warning

This repair may involve working with high voltage components or water connections. Always unplug the appliance before removing any panels.

If you are not confident in your ability to perform this repair safely, we strongly recommend contacting a professional technician.

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Possible Causes

Power to unit lost during freezing conditions, Freeze protection heater failure, Inadequate insulation on exposed piping, No freeze protection for condensate drain

How to Fix / Troubleshooting

Safety first: Do not attempt to force operation if you suspect frozen pipes; they may burst. Turn OFF power and gas. Close water supply to the heater.

Steps to check and correct:

  • Thaw safely: Allow the unit and piping to thaw naturally or use gentle indirect heat (space heater in the room). Do not use open flames or high-heat devices on pipes.
  • Inspect for leaks: Once thawed, slowly open the water supply and check for leaks from split pipes or fittings.
  • Check freeze heaters: On Noritz outdoor models, verify that freeze protection heaters are intact and wired correctly. This typically requires a technician.
  • Insulate piping: Add insulation and heat trace (if needed) to exposed water and condensate lines per Noritz and local code requirements.
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Repair Difficulty

Hard 4/5

Required Part

Freeze Protection Heater
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