How to Winterize a Hot Water Heater: Complete Guide

To winterize a hot water heater, turn off the power or gas supply, drain the tank completely, disconnect the water supply, and insulate exposed pipes to prevent freezing, ensuring your system remains protected during cold months.

Winterizing your hot water heater is crucial to prevent freezing, bursting pipes, and costly damage. Proper winterization protects your investment and ensures reliable hot water when temperatures drop.

Why Winterizing Your Water Heater Matters

Failing to winterize can lead to:

• Cracked tanks from frozen water expansion
• Damaged pressure relief valves
• Split drain valves
• Flooding when ice melts in spring

According to RV mechanics in Alberta (where temps reach -25°C), drained water heaters rarely crack even in extreme cold. The key is removing most water to allow expansion space.

Step-by-Step Winterization Process

1. Turn Off Power and Water Supply

Start by shutting off:

1. Electricity at the breaker panel (for electric heaters)
2. Gas supply valve (for gas heaters)
3. Cold water intake valve

2. Drain the Tank Completely

Follow these steps:

1. Connect a garden hose to the drain valve
2. Run hose to floor drain or bucket
3. Open drain valve and let water flow out
4. Open pressure relief valve to speed drainage
5. For stubborn water, blow compressed air through hot water lines

3. Bypass the Water Heater (For RV/Boats)

Install a bypass kit to:

• Prevent antifreeze from entering tank
• Make spring startup easier
• Save on antifreeze costs

Additional Winter Protection Measures

Insulate Pipes and Tank

Use foam pipe insulation on all exposed pipes. For the tank itself:

• Install an insulated water heater blanket
• Build an insulated enclosure (keep 18″ clearance from gas units)
• Focus on pipes in unheated spaces like basements

Adjust Temperature Settings

For seasonal use:

• Set thermostat to 60°F if maintaining heat
• For vacation homes, drain completely
• Normal operating temp: 120°F (prevents scalding)

Tankless Water Heater Winterization

Special considerations for tankless units:

1. Power off the unit
2. Isolate with service valves
3. Remove drain plugs
4. Use compressed air to blow out remaining water
5. Consider installing freeze protection kits

When to Call a Professional

Seek help for:

• Hard-to-reach drain valves
• Signs of existing damage
• Complex plumbing systems
• If you’re uncomfortable with gas lines

For extreme climates, the U.S. Department of Energy recommends annual professional inspections. Regular maintenance can extend your heater’s life by years.

Spring Startup Checklist

When reopening your property:

1. Close all drain valves
2. Remove bypass if installed
3. Slowly refill tank before restoring power
4. Check for leaks at all connections
5. Flush system until water runs clear

Remember that cold weather affects water heaters differently based on type and installation. Gas units need proper venting, while electric models may require circuit upgrades for winter demands.