Hot Water Tank Winter Checklist for Altoona Homes

Quick answer: Before winter, (1) look for leaks and rust, (2) set the temperature to about 120°F, (3) drain a few gallons to remove sediment, (4) check the relief valve, (5) make sure the vent and the area around a gas heater are clear, and (6) test your carbon monoxide detector. If the tank is over 10 years old and showing problems, plan a replacement before it fails.

Winter is the hardest time of year for a water heater. The water coming into the house is much colder, so the tank has to run longer and harder to heat it. Families also use more hot water in winter. That is why so many tanks give out between November and March — often on the coldest morning of the year. A little care in the fall can prevent a cold shower and a wet basement.

Your Winter Water Heater Checklist

Task	Why it matters	Time
Look for leaks, rust and water on the floor	Rust at the bottom or on fittings is an early sign of failure	2 minutes
Set the temperature to about 120°F	Safer, reduces scalding and saves energy	2 minutes
Drain a few gallons from the drain valve	Removes sediment that makes the tank noisy and less efficient	15–20 minutes
Check the temperature and pressure (T&P) relief valve	This safety valve lets out pressure if the tank overheats	5 minutes
Clear space around a gas water heater	Gas heaters need air to burn safely; boxes and clutter are a fire risk	5 minutes
Check the vent pipe on gas heaters	A loose or blocked vent can let carbon monoxide into the home	5 minutes
Insulate exposed hot and cold pipes near the tank	Reduces heat loss and helps protect pipes from freezing	30 minutes
Test your carbon monoxide detectors	Required safety step for any home with gas appliances	2 minutes

Set the Temperature to 120°F

Many tanks come set at 140°F from the factory. The U.S. Department of Energy says turning a water heater down to 120°F can save about $36–$61 a year and also lowers the risk of scalding. On a gas tank, the dial is on the gas control valve near the bottom. On an electric tank, the thermostats are behind panels on the side — turn the power off at the breaker before you open them.

Drain Some Sediment

Minerals and dirt settle at the bottom of the tank. Over time this layer makes popping or rumbling sounds, wastes energy and can shorten the tank’s life. Many manufacturers recommend draining or flushing the tank regularly — check your owner’s manual for yours.

1. Turn the gas control to “pilot” or “vacation”, or switch off the power for an electric tank.
2. Attach a garden hose to the drain valve at the bottom and run it to a floor drain or outside.
3. Open the drain valve and let a few gallons run out until the water looks clear. The water is hot — be careful.
4. Close the valve, remove the hose, and turn the heater back on.

If the drain valve will not close or starts dripping, stop and call a plumber. Old plastic drain valves can break.

Signs Your Tank Will Not Make It Through Winter

• The tank is more than 10 years old. Many tanks last about 8–12 years in real homes; the U.S. Department of Energy puts the typical range at 10–15 years.
• Rusty or brown hot water.
• Water pooling around the base of the tank.
• Loud rumbling or banging when it heats.
• Hot water runs out much faster than it used to.

If you see these signs, it is usually cheaper to replace the tank on your schedule than in an emergency. See water heater repair & replacement and our plumber cost guide for price ranges.

Protect the Rest of Your Plumbing Too

• Disconnect garden hoses and shut off and drain outside spigots. See frozen & burst pipes.
• Know where your main shut-off valve is. See how to find and test your main water shut-off valve.
• Protect the water meter from freezing. Under Altoona Water Authority rules, the customer pays for a meter that is damaged by freezing.
• Test your sump pump before the spring thaw. See sump pumps & basement water.

Gas Smell or No Pilot Light?

If you smell gas, leave the house right away and call your gas utility (Peoples Natural Gas serves Altoona) or 911 from outside. Do not turn lights or switches on or off. If the pilot light keeps going out, the problem may be the thermocouple, the gas valve or a draft issue — call a plumber. For furnace or boiler problems, see heating repair.

Frequently Asked Questions