Your Winter Water Heater Tune-Up Guide

Your Winter Water Heater Tune-Up Guide

When the cold creeps in and the snow starts to pile up, there’s nothing worse than realizing your hot shower just turned into an arctic plunge. Winter is hard enough without water heater problems and the good news is, a little preventative maintenance now can save you from a mid-January cold-water crisis later. Here are a few easy, DIY-friendly steps to keep your water heater running efficiently all season long.

1. Give It a Little Elbow Room

Your water heater works best when it can breathe. Head down to the basement and make sure there’s at least two feet of clearance around the unit. Over time, storage boxes, paint cans, or the kids’ old hockey gear tend to creep closer. Clear that space so air can circulate and you have easy access for inspection and maintenance.

2. Check the Temperature Setting

If you’ve never looked at your water heater’s thermostat, now’s the time. Set it to 120°F - that’s the sweet spot for most homes. Any higher and you risk scalding (especially if you have little ones), plus you’ll waste energy heating water hotter than you need. Any lower and you might invite bacteria to grow. It’s a quick twist of a dial that can make a big difference in comfort and safety.

3. Flush Out Sediment (It’s Easier Than It Sounds)

Connecticut’s water tends to be mineral-rich, which means sediment can build up in the tank over time. That layer of grit forces your heater to work harder and can even make popping or rumbling noises. To flush it:

• Turn off the power (or gas supply).

• Attach a garden hose to the drain valve at the bottom.

• Run the other end to a floor drain or outside.

• Open the valve and let the tank drain until clear.

If it’s been years since your last flush, you may need to repeat the process. This simple step can extend the life of your heater and improve efficiency. Just make sure you close the valve tightly when you’re done.

4. Insulate for Efficiency

Your hot water heater loses heat through its tank and pipes, especially if it lives in a chilly basement. Wrapping it in an insulating blanket (available at any hardware store) can help retain warmth, meaning your system doesn’t have to work as hard.

Also insulate the first six feet of hot and cold water pipes coming from the tank. Foam pipe sleeves are inexpensive and take just minutes to install. It’s one of those small upgrades that pays for itself fast in energy savings.

5. Test the Pressure Relief Valve

This valve is a key safety feature that releases pressure if the tank gets too hot. To test it, place a bucket under the discharge pipe, then lift the valve’s lever gently. You should hear water or air escape briefly. If nothing happens, or it leaks afterward, it’s time to replace the valve. Don’t skip this one; it’s a simple check that can prevent dangerous pressure buildup.

6. Mind the Anode Rod

Your water heater’s anode rod is like a sacrificial hero - it attracts corrosive minerals so your tank doesn’t rust. But it wears out over time. Every few years, check it by unscrewing the hex head at the top of the tank (you might need a socket wrench). If the rod looks thin or coated in calcium, replace it. It’s a $20 part that can add years to your heater’s life.

7. Keep an Eye Out for Trouble Signs

Rusty water, strange noises, or puddles around the base of your heater are all warning flags. A little condensation on cold days is normal but leaks are not. If you see rust or corrosion near fittings, or your water takes longer to heat up, call in a professional before winter really sets in.

8. Know When to Call the Pros

While most of these steps are DIY-friendly, there are times to tag in an expert. If you smell gas, see scorch marks, or aren’t comfortable handling electrical or plumbing components, stop and call a licensed technician. It’s always better (and cheaper) to fix a small issue early than replace the whole system later.

9. Bonus: Plan Ahead for Replacement

If your water heater is over 10 years old, start budgeting for a replacement. Even a well-maintained tank won’t last forever, and Connecticut’s freezing winters are not kind to aging systems. Newer models are more energy-efficient and often eligible for utility rebates, so upgrading might save you more than you think.

A little attention now keeps the hot water flowing and your winter mornings comfortable. Whether it’s flushing out sediment, tightening valves, or adding insulation, these small steps add up to big peace of mind. 

Bob O’Donnell is the owner of O’Donnell Bros. Inc., a Bristol-based home improvement company established in 1975. Email your questions for Bob to info@odonnellbros.com with the subject line “Ask the Pro.” All questions may be considered for publication. To contact Bob for your remodeling needs, call O’Donnell Bros. Inc. at (860) 589-5155 or visit www.odonnellbros.com. Advice is for guidance only.

Check For Heat Loss and Save Big

Holiday lights, Christmas trees, and colder temperatures mean that December is usually one of the most expensive months in terms of utility bills. Last month, energy companies said that the average Connecticut electric bill would jump around $80 per month per household come January, so now is a great time to start thinking about ways to save. 

One resource that not enough people take advantage of is an audit by Energize Connecticut. For a fee, a home energy consultant will come to your home and conduct a full assessment, covering your furnace and water heater, air ducts, windows, doors, and more. Plus they can offer rebates for upgrades and repairs. To apply, visit the EnergizeCT website and choose your service provider. 

In addition to an assessment, here are the top five spots I always check for air leaks and heat loss. 

1. Windows. Believe it or not, hanging heavy fabric drapes can help you retain up to 25% of the heat in your home. This is especially true with large glass doors that aren’t being used in the winter months. Also, be sure to check for gaps. Wooden window frames get warped with age and can lead to serious air leakage. For cracks that are smaller than a quarter of an inch, a silicone caulk will work to plug up areas where heat is escaping. Also, if you feel air coming right through your single panes and the glass rattles with the wind, beef them up with some shrink film. This product can be found at any home supply store and can be cut to size. 

2. Doors. We don’t often open the windows in the winter, but doors are a different story. They let lots of air escape, but they can’t be sealed completely because we need to use them. I always suggest inspecting your door sweep to ensure it’s not damaged and replacing it if the bristles have come loose. A door snake or seal can also come in handy, which can be purchased at any big box store or even made at home with an old pair of stockings and some rice, beans, newspaper, or another filling.

3. Attic. Those of you with an attic hatch are likely losing a ton of warm air through its frame. We all know that hot air rises, so close off that hatch with an insulated box that fits over the entryway. It's a great way to retain heat in the home and you’ll still have full access to the attic to get holiday decorations, luggage, and storage items.

4. Water Heater. Insulate your water heater’s tank and pipes with fiberglass. For the tank, fit a fiberglass blanket using foil tape, but be sure not to cover any valve or pipe openings. For the pipes, you can use fiberglass wrap or foam insulation. By adding a layer of insulation to your water heater, you’ll keep the warmth from escaping into the air and you’ll protect the machine from condensation in the summer months. 

5. Insulation. Most homes simply do not have enough insulation in the walls and attic, which is probably the number one contributor to sky-high energy bills. Insulation acts as a barrier against heat flow, helping to keep the warm air inside the house by slowing the flow and stopping the heat from getting outside. The United States Environmental Protection Agency says that with proper insulation, the average home in our area can save approximately 16 to 50 percent in total heating and cooling costs depending on the age and condition of the home. Plus it’s one of the highest-rated home improvements in terms of real estate resale value. 

Rising energy bills will be no joke this season. Take a few steps to winterproof your home and the impending increase won’t hit your wallet as hard in the new year. 

Bob O'Donnell is the owner of O'Donnell Bros, Inc., a Bristol-based home improvement company established in 1975. Email your questions for Bob to info@odonnellbros.com with the subject line “Ask the Pro”. All questions may be considered for publication. To contact Bob for your remodeling needs, call O'Donnell Bros, Inc. at (860) 589-5155 or visit www.odonnellbros.com. Advice is for guidance only.

A Water Heater Tune-Up is Essential In Late Winter

This past week’s warm-up had us all thinking about beautiful spring days, but it’s around this time that a sudden cold snap can hit, throwing us back into the throngs of winter. After a long season of use, your hot water heater might be feeling some pain, so now is a great time to make sure it’s in excellent working order - both for next year and in the event that you’ll be needing it in tip-top condition for another month. Here are some tips.

• As a water heater operates, it collects sediment that can cause decay if left in the tank over time. Don’t let this happen to yours. Drain your water heater at least twice a year to get rid of any buildup, which will prevent corrosion and increase the machine’s energy efficiency.  

• First turn off the unit and give it plenty of time to cool down. Then, using a garden hose and pump, drain the water into a bucket. If the bucket becomes filled with brown, sediment-tainted water, continue to refill and drain your heater until the water looks normal again. When you’re in the clear, you can disconnect your hose and turn the unit back on.

• Keep your water heater at a steady 120 degrees and lower it down if you’re planning on leaving the house for three days or more. For every 10 degrees, you decrease the temperature, you’ll save five percent in energy costs.

• Insulate the tank and pipes with fiberglass. For the tank, fit a fiberglass blanket using foil tape, but be sure not to cover any valve or pipe openings. For the pipes, you can use fiberglass wrap or foam insulation. By adding a layer of insulation to your water heater, you’ll keep the warmth from escaping into the air and you’ll protect the machine from condensation in the warmer months.

• If you have a valve that’s leaking, make sure that the fittings are nice and tight. If that doesn’t work, you might have to replace the valves or fittings. You can find the parts you’ll need at a local hardware store – just don’t forget to shut off the water first!

Remember, working with electric or gas appliances can be dangerous. If you’re not familiar with how your unit operates or if you’re not comfortable with this kind of work, contact a plumber for a routine maintenance check.  

The average lifecycle of a water heater is about eight to twelve years and they can cost anywhere from $300 for an electric tank system to well over $1,000 for a tankless energy efficient natural gas machine. If you’re in the market for a new machine, do your research and make sure you maintain it regularly to ensure it will go the distance.

Bob O’Donnell is the owner of O’Donnell Bros. Inc., a Bristol-based home improvement company established in 1975. Email your questions for Bob to info@odonnellbros.com with the subject line “Ask the Pro.” All questions may be considered for publication. To contact Bob for your remodeling needs, call O’Donnell Bros. Inc. at (860) 589-5155 or visit www.odonnellbros.com. Advice is for guidance only.