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.

Asphalt or Metal? Picking a Material for Your New Roof

Installing a new roof is one of the biggest remodeling decisions that any homeowner has to make. Finding the right contractor, negotiating the right price, and deciding on the color and style are just a few of the options to navigate.

In the past, one thing homeowners often didn’t have to think about was the material, as asphalt roofs have been the most popular choice in our area for their cost effectiveness, aesthetic and durability. But this past weekend on a visit to New Hampshire, I noticed the number of homes that are clad in metal is on the rise. While metal roofs are more popular in areas of the country with more extreme weather conditions, it’s always good to know about the different options available. So let’s take a deeper dive into the pros and cons of asphalt and metal roofs to help you make the best decision for your home.

The Asphalt Roof

Asphalt is the most popular choice with homeowners for a variety of reasons, but the single most important factor is almost always the price. The average cost to purchase the materials for an asphalt roof is nearly one-third of the cost of a metal roof. That cost differentiation gives asphalt the leg up almost every time. In addition to being the more cost effective option of the two choices, there is a lot to love about asphalt. Individual shingles give a homeowner lots of color and design choices, and they are faster to install than a metal roof, often taking just a few days of labor. While most asphalt roofs come with a 30-year warranty, they are easy to repair if damaged, and a small section can be replaced without having to get a whole new roof. The material also performs exceptionally well in the rain, heat, sleet, and snow.

Of course, there are a few negative aspects of asphalt roofing that homeowners should be aware of. If you’re installing a new asphalt roof, I always recommend removing the old roof before installing new material, which does add to the labor cost. Another negative factor is the chance that mold, mildew, and algae will grow if a roof is shaded and stays damp for long periods of time. Also, while our Connecticut weather isn’t as severe as other parts of the country, very high winds can loosen shingles if they aren’t installed properly.

The Metal Roof

Even though they aren’t as common in our area, metal roofs have some very attractive qualities that make them worth considering. Firstly, the material is lighter than traditional asphalt roofs, and the metal sheets can often be installed right over regular asphalt as long as it doesn’t have water damage or rotten plywood underneath. Metal roofs also last longer than asphalt roofs, and maintenance is minimal. Mold and mildew cannot grow on metal so if you live in a damp area with lots of shade, this is worth considering. Another plus is that metal roofs are energy efficient all year round, helping to keep the house cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. Plus they perform very well in areas with very high-level snowfall.

Of course, there are a few cons that homeowners should be aware of, and the biggest one is cost. While metal roofs do last longer, the upfront cost can be three times as much as an asphalt roof. Additionally, if a metal roof needs to be repaired, that will also cost more as metal roofs are made in sheets and need to be replaced in that way. From an aesthetic perspective, metal roofs do come in different colors, but there aren't many more options in terms of design and aesthetic. Finally, it’s important to know that without the proper plywood installation and insulation, metal roofs can be noisy, which might not be a con for people who love the sound of rain storms.

No matter which material you use, it’s important to do your research to find the best product for your individual home. The right roof with the right contractor at the right price will ensure that you live comfortably with peace of mind for many years to come.

Bob O’Donnell is the owner of O’Donnell Bros. Inc., a Bristol-based home improvement company established in 1975. Email your questions 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 http://www.odonnellbros.com. Advice is for guidance only. Contact us here.