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.

How to find the best contractor for the job

While many repairs can be done by a handy homeowner, there are some jobs, such as putting on a roof or installing siding, that require a professional contractor. But finding an expert who will get the work done on time, on budget and in a professional and friendly manner can sometimes feel daunting. Here are my tips to help you find the best person for your next job.

1. Get references. You want to find someone who is local to the area and has a good reputation. Ask your contractor for the names and phone numbers of the last several jobs he or she completed so you can contact the homeowners and discuss their experiences. Ask questions about the contractor's professionalism and communication skills as well as the end-to-end process.

2. Make sure they have the right qualifications. A general contractor might be able to do anything, but that doesn't mean they do it all particularly well. Find someone who has extensive experience in the job you want done, not someone who just "does that too". Also make sure that they are both licensed and insured to do the work that you require.

3. Get into the nitty gritty. A good contractor will give you a step-by-step breakdown of the job they are quoting on. Remember that with home remodeling, you're paying for both a product and a service, so ask about the materials they are using and do some research on your own. Extra time may be required for ordering materials, especially if they are more difficult to come by, so ask questions about the timeline and expected completion date.

4. You get what you pay for. You have no idea how many times I get calls to replace a roof with a 30 year warranty after only 10 years because of installation error, or because the homeowner skipped a vital step in order to save some money. Warranties on products are only as good as the installation and surrounding environment, and many manufacturers won't honor a warranty if those factors aren't up to scratch. Make sure your contractor explains this to you.  

Expert contractors love working with people who are well informed, have done their research and aren't afraid to ask questions. Don't be afraid to speak up, because good communication is key to ensuring that your job is done right and to your specifications.