The pipes are in the lower box and insulated and heat taped. If the power goes out there is an auto valve in the basement that opens and drains the lines.
It does get cold in Colorado from time to time. This has been installed for 2 years going on its 3rd winter season coming up and haven't had any issues. We check the heat tape and the auto valves on the pm to verify operation. The heater will also fire for a few seconds so the exchanger won't crack, a feature from Rinnai
The electrical meter was existing when the owner bought the home. He wanted the water heater to match that finish, so that is what was done. We cut the existing stucco and some rock then finished back around the unit.
So how much money are you really saving having to run heat tape all the time? Just curious, but it doesn't seem like the pay back would be there. A vacation home I can understand the logic.
And I still wouldn't try it here. We have at least a week of - double digits. Actually had my truck thermometer read -35 one morning.
"Fortunately, I keep my feathers numbered for just such an emergency." Foghorn Leghorn
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Originally Posted by OldSchoolMech
