Hot Water Tank Winterization

Professional winterization service for Muskoka cottages and seasonal properties. Protect your hot water tank from freezing damage with proper draining and preparation.

Schedule Winterization

Why Winterization is Critical

In Muskoka's harsh winters, water left in an unheated cottage can freeze and cause thousands of dollars in damage. Your hot water tank is particularly vulnerable.

Even a small amount of remaining water can freeze, expand, and crack the tank or burst pipes. Professional winterization ensures your hot water system is completely protected.

⚠️ Warning:

Improper winterization can void warranties and lead to expensive freeze damage. Trust professionals with 20+ years of Muskoka experience.

Hot water tank winterization in Muskoka cottage

Our Professional Winterization Process

Thorough, systematic approach to protect your hot water system

1

Power/Gas Shutdown

Turn off electricity (circuit breaker) or shut off gas supply and extinguish pilot light. Safety is our first priority.

2

Water Supply Cutoff

Close the cold water inlet valve to the hot water tank, preventing new water from entering during the draining process.

3

Hot Water Faucet Opening

Open hot water faucets at the highest point in the cottage to introduce air and prevent vacuum formation during draining.

4

Tank Draining

Attach hose to drain valve and completely drain the tank. We ensure 100% drainage - even the last bit of water that can cause problems.

5

Pressure Relief Valve

Open pressure/temperature relief valve to drain any remaining water and allow proper air circulation.

6

Element Removal (If Needed)

For electric tanks, we can remove heating elements to ensure complete water drainage from element pockets where water can hide.

7

Air Blow-Through (Optional)

Using compressed air, we blow through the system to remove any residual water droplets that gravity draining might miss.

8

Final Inspection & Documentation

We verify complete drainage, leave drain valve open, and provide you with documentation of winterization for insurance purposes.

We Winterize All Types of Water Heaters

Electric Tanks

  • ✓ Standard electric water heaters
  • ✓ Complete power disconnection
  • ✓ Element removal if needed
  • ✓ Simple spring start-up

Gas Tanks

  • ✓ Natural gas & propane
  • ✓ Pilot light extinguishing
  • ✓ Gas supply shut-off
  • ✓ Burner assembly protection

Tankless Units

  • ✓ On-demand water heaters
  • ✓ Heat exchanger drainage
  • ✓ Freeze protection mode
  • ✓ Manufacturer procedures

Spring Start-Up Service

We also provide professional spring start-up to get your cottage ready for the season

What We Do in Spring:

  • Inspection: Check tank condition, connections, and valves for winter damage
  • Refilling: Close drain valve, restore water supply, fill tank slowly and properly
  • Air Bleeding: Remove all air from tank and hot water lines
  • Power Restoration: Restore electricity or relight pilot, adjust thermostat
  • Testing: Test all functions, check for leaks, verify hot water delivery
  • Flushing: Flush out any sediment or debris that may have accumulated

🌸 Spring Opening Special

Book your fall winterization and spring start-up together and save! We'll keep your cottage on our schedule for both services.

When to Schedule Winterization

❄️ Best Timing

  • Mid to Late October: Before first hard freeze
  • Before Thanksgiving: Traditional cottage closing time
  • After Last Use: When you're done using hot water for the season
  • Before Heating Off: While cottage is still warm for comfort

📅 Book Early

Fall is our busiest season! We book up quickly as everyone rushes to close cottages before winter.

We recommend booking your winterization by early September to ensure your preferred timing. Emergency last-minute service available but not guaranteed.

⚠️ Don't Wait Too Long!

If a hard freeze happens before winterization, you risk serious damage. Muskoka weather can be unpredictable - be proactive!

Winterization Service Packages

Basic

Hot Water Tank Only

  • ✓ Complete tank drainage
  • ✓ Power/gas shutdown
  • ✓ Pressure valve opening
  • ✓ Documentation
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MOST POPULAR

Complete

Full System

  • ✓ Everything in Basic
  • ✓ All plumbing fixtures
  • ✓ Toilet winterization
  • ✓ Pump shutdown (if applicable)
  • ✓ Air blow-through
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Annual Package

Fall + Spring

  • ✓ Fall winterization
  • ✓ Spring start-up
  • ✓ Priority scheduling
  • ✓ Package discount
  • ✓ Peace of mind
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Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about our plumbing services

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Protect Your Investment This Winter

Don't risk freeze damage to your hot water system. Book professional winterization service today.