Grill Season Is in Full Swing. Is Your Backyard Safe?

By now, most of us have settled into the rhythm of summer. The grill is getting plenty of use, dinner is happening outside whenever the weather cooperates, and weekends are filled with family and friends. But since it’s been a month or two of regular grilling, now is a great time to take a quick look around your backyard and make sure everything is still in good shape. Here are a few things worth checking before you fire up the grill tonight.

Give Your Grill a Little More Space Than You Think It Needs

Every year we replace melted vinyl siding because a grill was sitting just a little too close to the house. People are often surprised to learn that it doesn’t take direct flames to cause damage. The heat coming off the grill alone can warp siding, discolor trim, and even damage nearby windows.

If possible, keep your grill at least ten feet away from your home, deck railings, fences, and anything overhead like awnings or low tree branches. A little extra distance can save you from a repair you never saw coming.

Your Grill Could Probably Use a Mid-Summer Cleaning

If you’ve been grilling a few nights a week since Memorial Day, your grill has earned a little attention.

Grease builds up faster than most people realize, and that’s one of the biggest causes of flare-ups. Spend a few minutes brushing the grates, emptying the grease tray, and cleaning out any debris underneath. Not only is it safer, but your food will cook more evenly too.

Take a Walk Around Your Deck or Patio

While you’re at it, give the area around your grill a quick once-over.

Look for loose deck boards, popped nails, wobbly railings, cracked steps, or anything else that doesn’t feel quite right. You’re carrying hot food, propane tanks, and serving trays back and forth all summer long. It’s much better to tighten a loose railing today than discover it when someone leans against it tomorrow, especially considering the storms we’ve had.

Give Your Propane Tank a Quick Check

Look over your propane hose for cracks or signs of wear, make sure the connections are tight, and if you ever smell gas, don’t light the grill until you’ve figured out why. A little dish soap mixed with water can help you spot a leak by creating bubbles around the connection.

Clear Out the Backyard Clutter

Summer has a funny way of filling up the patio.

Pool toys, bikes, sports equipment, gardening supplies, and coolers all seem to end up around the grill. Before you start cooking, clear away anything that could become a trip hazard or accidentally end up too close to the heat.

Don’t Forget to Look Up

Most people remember to check what’s behind the grill. Fewer people remember to check what’s above it.

Tree branches, patio umbrellas, string lights, pergolas, and roof overhangs can all be affected by the heat rising from your grill. A quick glance overhead before you start cooking is always worth it.

Keep Safety Within Reach

Hopefully you’ll never need it, but it’s always smart to have a fire extinguisher nearby and know exactly where your garden hose is. And as tempting as it is to run inside to answer the phone or grab another plate, try not to leave a lit grill unattended.

It only takes a moment for a small flare-up to become something much more serious.

A Few Minutes Now Can Save You a Lot Later

One thing we’ve learned over the years is that most expensive repairs don’t start with a major disaster. More often than not, they begin with a small issue that nobody noticed until it became a much bigger problem.

Taking ten minutes to look over your grill, deck, and backyard today can help keep your home safe, your family protected, and your summer focused on what really matters - good food, good company, and enjoying the season.

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.

Hot Water Heater Maintenance: Winter Is Coming

As temperatures drop, ensuring your home is ready for the colder months becomes crucial. One appliance that often gets overlooked is the hot water heater. A little preparation now can prevent unwelcome surprises when you need hot water the most.

Here’s how you can prepare your water heater for winter:

1. Drain and Flush Your Tank

Over time, sediment collects in your water heater, reducing its efficiency and lifespan. Draining and flushing the tank twice a year helps prevent this buildup. Late fall is a perfect time for this task.

• Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Turn off your water heater and allow it to cool.

2. Connect a garden hose to the drain valve and run the other end to a bucket.

3. Open the valve and let the water drain.

4. If the water is discolored or contains sediment, continue refilling and draining until it runs clear.

5. Close the valve, disconnect the hose, and restart the unit.

2. Adjust the Temperature

Keep the thermostat at 120°F to balance efficiency and safety. If you’re planning to leave home for a few days or more, lower the temperature to save energy. For every 10°F you lower, you can save about 5% on energy costs.

3. Insulate for Energy Efficiency

Cold temperatures can affect your water heater’s efficiency. Insulate the tank and exposed pipes to retain heat:

• Use a fiberglass blanket for the tank, avoiding vents or valve openings.

• Cover pipes with foam or fiberglass insulation.

This simple step can reduce heat loss and protect your unit from condensation issues.

4. Check for Leaks

Inspect the valves and fittings for any leaks. Tighten loose connections, or replace faulty parts if necessary. Always shut off the water supply before making any repairs.

5. Call in the Pros

If your water heater is over 8-12 years old or if maintenance feels overwhelming, consider hiring a plumber for a professional inspection. Winter is a busy season for service providers, so schedule your appointment early to avoid delays.

6. Know When to Replace

A failing water heater can lead to unexpected cold showers or costly water damage. Replacement costs vary and really depend on the model, tank size, and your home’s needs. Research your options and don’t forget to check out EnergizeCT for rebate options. Most importantly, don’t wait until it’s too late. Taking these steps now ensures your water heater runs smoothly all winter long, saving you stress and money.

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 visitwww.odonnellbros.com. Advice is for guidance only.

Hot Water Heater Maintenance for the Winter

Winter is still a long way off but the end of summer is a good time to start tackling cooler weather maintenance tasks. One of my priorities is to do a thorough check-up of my hot water heater to ensure I don’t have issues when I really need it. 

Major appliance maintenance might seem complicated, but if you haven’t had issues in the past, a simple check-up and clean-out can really help your hot water heater run more efficiently while lengthening its life. 

As a water heater operates, it collects sediment that can cause decay if left in the tank over time. 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. I like to do this in the fall and early spring, before and after the busy season.

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 clean 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 that 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 anything is loose, 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 before fitting them!

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.  Just keep in mind that service pros are busier than ever so you’ll want to book an appointment now to get in before the season kicks off. 

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 appliance. If you’re in the market for a new machine, do your research and make sure you maintain it regularly to ensure that 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.