For any Canadian homeowner, especially in a city like Ottawa, a reliable hot water tank is a non-negotiable part of daily life. Whether you’re opening the cottage for the season, moving into a new home, or restoring services after a winter storm, you’ll need to know the proper procedure. Understanding how to turn on hot water tank correctly is crucial for your safety and for the appliance to work correctly. The process is very different for natural gas and electric models, which are the two most common types found in Canadian homes.
This guide will provide clear, step-by-step instructions for both. However, we must start with a critical safety warning: your safety is paramount. If you are ever unsure, uncomfortable, or smell gas at any point, stop immediately. It is always the right decision to call a licensed and insured professional plumber or gas technician in Ottawa.
Before You Begin: Essential Preparation and Safety in Canada
Taking a few moments to prepare can prevent serious damage and ensure your safety. These initial checks are the most important part of the entire process, especially when dealing with the realities of the Canadian climate.
Confirm the Tank is Full of Water
This is the golden rule. Never supply power or gas to an empty tank. An electric element will burn out in seconds, and a gas unit can be seriously damaged.
- How to Check: Go to the nearest faucet (like a laundry sink) and fully open the hot water tap. If you get a steady, non-sputtering stream of cold water, the tank is full. If not, find the cold water inlet valve on a pipe leading into the tank and ensure it’s fully open. Wait until the flow from the faucet is steady before you proceed.
Check for Frozen Pipes
If you are turning the water heater on during or after a cold Ottawa winter spell, you must first check for frozen pipes. Turning on a tank connected to a frozen pipe can cause pressure build-up and pipe bursts. Feel the pipes leading to and from the tank. If they feel unusually cold or are covered in frost, you may have a frozen line that needs to be thawed by a professional first.
Gather Your Tools
You will only need a few simple things:
- A flashlight for better visibility.
- A long-reach lighter (for gas models without an automatic igniter).
Check the Area for Hazards
- For Gas Water Heaters: In Ontario, gas appliances are regulated by the TSSA (Technical Standards and Safety Authority). Before touching anything, check for the smell of natural gas (a rotten egg or sulfur smell). If you smell gas, do not create any sparks (including flipping light switches). Leave your home immediately and call your local utility, like Enbridge Gas, from a safe distance.
- For Electric Water Heaters: Ensure the floor and the area around the tank are completely dry.
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How to Turn On Hot Water Tank
Here are the detailed, step-by-step instructions for both gas and electric models, along with special considerations for the local climate.
How to Turn On a Gas Hot Water Tank (The Ottawa Standard)
Natural gas is the most common fuel source for water heaters in Ottawa and many Canadian cities. The process involves safely lighting a pilot light. If these steps seem confusing, a TSSA-certified gas technician can do this for you.
- Step 1: Locate the Gas Control Valve and Thermostat: On the front of the tank, you will find a control box with a temperature dial and a control knob. This knob will have “ON,” “OFF,” and “PILOT” settings.
- Step 2: Set the Control Knob to “OFF”: Turn the knob to “OFF” to stop all gas flow. Wait for 5-10 minutes. This allows any gas that may have collected in the chamber to dissipate.
- Step 3: Turn the Knob to the “PILOT” Setting: Rotate the knob to “PILOT.” You must now press and hold this knob (or a separate red button) down to manually start the flow of gas to the pilot burner only.
- Step 4: Light the Pilot Light: With the pilot knob held down, ignite the pilot flame.
- Piezo Igniter: Press the “igniter” button (often red) repeatedly. You will hear a “clicking” sound as it sparks internally.
- Manual Ignition: Use a long lighter to light the burner through the access opening at the bottom of the tank. Look through the small viewport (a glass window or opening) to see the pilot assembly.
- Step 5: Confirm the Pilot is Lit and Release the Knob: Look through the viewport to see a small, steady blue flame. Continue holding the pilot knob down for a full minute to heat the thermocouple, a safety sensor. Release the knob slowly. The pilot flame should stay lit. If it goes out, wait five minutes and repeat the process.
- Step 6: Turn the Control Knob to “ON”: With the pilot lit, turn the knob from “PILOT” to “ON.” You should hear a “whoosh” sound as the main burner ignites.
- Step 7: Set Your Desired Temperature: For safety and to manage your energy bills, setting the temperature to 49°C (120°F) is recommended by most Canadian safety councils.
How to Turn On an Electric Hot Water Tank
Common in rural areas of the Ottawa Valley, cottages, or apartments where natural gas is not available, electric models are simpler to turn on.
- Step 1: Locate the Circuit Breaker: Go to your home’s main electrical panel (breaker box). Find the dedicated “double-pole” breaker for the water heater. It should be labelled “Water Heater,” “Hot Water,” or “HWT.”
- Step 2: Ensure the Breaker is “OFF”: Double-check that the breaker is fully in the “OFF” position before proceeding.
- Step 3: Turn the Circuit Breaker “ON”: Firmly flip the breaker to the “ON” position. You will not hear any loud noises.
- Step 4: Wait Patiently: An electric water heater is quiet. It will take an hour or more to heat a full tank of water, depending on the tank size and the frigid temperature of Ottawa’s municipal water in the winter.
- Step 5: Set the Thermostat Temperature: For safety, your electric tank has thermostats behind one or two screw-on panels. They should be set to 49°C (120°F). If you are unsure, it’s best to have a licensed electrician or plumber check this for you.
Special Considerations for the Ottawa Climate
Living in Canada’s capital presents unique challenges for home appliances.
- Dealing with Extreme Cold: As mentioned, frozen pipes are a real risk. If your water heater is in an unheated basement or garage, consider insulating the pipes leading to and from the unit to prevent freezing during Ottawa’s deep cold spells.
- After a Power Outage: Ice storms can lead to prolonged power outages from providers like Hydro Ottawa. An electric water heater will simply start working again once power is restored. However, some gas water heaters with electronic ignitions will also not work without power. A traditional gas heater with a standing pilot light (the kind described in this guide) is a great advantage in these situations, as it can often be relit and operated without any household electricity.
After You Turn the Water Heater On
Once the unit is on and has had time to heat, perform a few final checks.
- Check for Leaks: Carefully inspect all the water connections at the top and bottom of the tank. Look for any drips or puddles on the floor.
- Test the Water: Run a hot water tap to ensure it’s heating up properly.
- Listen: Pay attention to any unusual noises over the next few hours.
When in Doubt, Trust a Local Ottawa Professional
Knowing how to turn on your hot water tank is a valuable skill for any Canadian homeowner. By following these steps safely, you can restore comfort to your home. But remember, the safety of your family and property comes first. If you have any hesitation, a quick call to a licensed Ottawa plumber or a TSSA-certified gas fitter is the wisest decision you can make.