How to Winterize Your Water Heater in Calgary: Complete Homeowner Guide

Winter in Calgary is hard on water heaters — extreme cold, fluctuating temperatures, and high demand can put a lot of pressure on both tank and tankless systems.

Whether you live in Aspen Woods, McKenzie Lake, Tuscany, or Mahogany, winterizing your water heater is one of the best ways to prevent surprise breakdowns, low hot water flow, or costly emergency repairs.

This guide explains exactly how to winterize your water heater, when to call a plumber, and what Calgary homeowners commonly overlook.

Why Your Water Heater Needs Winter Maintenance in Calgary

Calgary’s winter temperatures regularly swing from -5°C to -30°C. These rapid changes cause:

• heat loss in basement and garage mechanical rooms

• sediment buildup from hard Calgary water

• strain on heating elements

• freezing risk in poorly insulated areas

• reduced efficiency (higher gas or electric bills)

Homes in neighbourhoods with larger floorplans or older mechanical rooms — like Mount Royal, Lake Bonavista, Elbow Park, and Scenic Acres — often experience faster heat loss in winter, making maintenance even more important.

How to Winterize a Tank Water Heater (Step-by-Step)

1. Check the temperature setting

Your heater should be set to 120°F (49°C) for optimal winter performance.

Higher is dangerous. Lower reduces available hot water during heavy winter usage.

2. Drain and flush the tank 

Calgary has hard water, which means sediment builds up quickly and insulates the burner — making your heater work harder.

A winter flush helps:

• restore heating speed

• improve efficiency

• extend tank lifespan

• reduce noise (popping or rumbling)

We recommend flushing every 6–12 months.

3. Insulate the pipes and hot water line 

If your water heater is in a cold area (garage, crawlspace, older basement), insulate:

• the first 6 feet of the hot water line

• cold water inlet

• any exposed copper or PEX nearby

This prevents heat loss and improves efficiency.

4. Insulate the water heater tank 

For older units (10+ years), add an insulating jacket.Tankless units do NOT require jackets.

5. Test the pressure relief valve

Lift the tab to ensure water flows freely.If it sticks or leaks afterward — replace it immediately.

6. Check for drafts around the mechanical room

Homes in SW Calgary with large garages (e.g., Springbank Hill, Signal Hill, Aspen Woods) often have cold mechanical rooms.

Seal drafts near:

• foundation walls

• windows

• vents

• exterior doors

Temperature swings are a major cause of premature water heater failure.

How to Winterize a Tankless Water Heater

Tankless units are efficient but more sensitive to freezing, especially if installed on exterior walls.

Do the following:

1. Insulate all incoming and outgoing pipes

Tankless systems have small internal passages that freeze faster.

2. Check freeze protection settings 

Most tankless systems include:

• built-in heaters

• internal sensors

• freeze mode

Make sure freeze mode is enabled.

3. Flush the tankless unit 

Use a descaling pump or vinegar flush to remove mineral buildup.Calgary’s hard water makes this extremely important.

4. Protect exterior vents

Clear snow buildup around intake/exhaust vents, especially during Chinooks.

Signs Your Water Heater Is Struggling This Winter

Call a plumber if you notice:

• water takes longer to heat

• inconsistent temperatures

• reduced flow

• popping or rumbling sounds

• moisture around the tank

• lukewarm showers with thermostat unchanged

• pilot light going out repeatedly (gas heaters)

These are early signs your water heater may fail.

When to Call Integrity Plumbing 

If your tank or tankless system:

• is older than 8–12 years

• hasn’t been flushed in over a year

• is in a drafty, cold space

• shows symptoms of failing parts

• has a pilot or burner issue

…schedule winter maintenance before the next cold snap.

Integrity Plumbing services all Calgary communities — including SW neighbourhoods like Aspen Woods, West Springs, Elbow Park, and Mount Royal, and SE areas like Mahogany, McKenzie Lake, Lake Bonavista, Auburn Bay, and more.

📞 Call us at 403-307-0760 📅 Or Book a Winter Water Heater Inspection on our website.