How to Turn off a Hot Water Heater
You might not think about turning off your water heater every day, but knowing how to do it quickly in an emergency can prevent serious damage and keep your family safe. Luckily, it’s a pretty simple process. Here’s how to shut down both gas and electric water heaters.
Turning Off a Gas Water Heater
If you have a gas-powered water heater, you need to start with the gas supply. This is the shut-off valve on the gas line that leads to the heater. You want to turn the valve perpendicular to the line to stop the flow.
After that, you need to adjust the temperature. In most units, you can find the temperature control knob by the gas control valve near the bottom. Set it to “Pilot” if you plan to restart the heater soon or “Off” if you’re shutting it down for an extended period.
Next, you have to shut down the water supply. The cold water shut-off valve is at the top of the heater. Turn it clockwise until it stops to prevent more water from entering the tank.
Sometimes, you may need to drain the tank, especially if you are doing a repair or maintenance. For that, you need to attach a garden hose to the drain valve at the bottom of the heater. Once the hose is in your designated drainage area, open the valve and allow the tank to empty.
If your heater has a standing pilot light, you may need to extinguish it. You will want to follow the manufacturer’s instructions to turn it off.
Turning Off an Electric Water Heater
The process of turning off an electric model is slightly different. First, you need to turn off the power. Start by heading to your electrical panel. This box is usually located in the basement, garage, or utility room.
When you spot the breaker labeled “Water Heater,” flip it to the “Off” position. If it’s not labeled, you can turn off power to the whole house to be safe.
With any repairs, consider disconnecting the power directly from the unit for added safety. Many electric heaters have a dedicated power switch nearby. All you have to do is turn it off.
After that, find the cold water shut-off valve near the top of the appliance. Make sure to turn the valve clockwise until it stops to prevent more water from entering the tank. You may need to drain the water if you need to make repairs or perform maintenance. If this is the case, you can follow the same steps for draining the tank that you would for a gas-powered appliance.
Why You Might Need to Turn Off Your Water Heater
There are a few special situations when you might need to shut down the unit. Water leaks are a big concern. If you spot water pooling around the base of your heater, shutting it off can help prevent costly damage.
When you have to repair or maintain the tank, shutting it off is a good idea. This works best for jobs that require a professional to flush out sediment or replace a part.
If you’re leaving home for an extended period, turning off the heater can save energy. Plus, it can reduce the risk of problems while you’re away. The last thing you want is to come home to water damage.
A few emergencies may require you to turn off the unit. If you have a gas water heater and detect an odor, you must immediately turn off the heater and gas supply.
Power outages are another situation. For those with an electric tankless water heater, shutting it off during a power outage can help prevent issues when it comes back on.
Call the Pros for Your Repair Needs
Turning off your water heater might sound intimidating, but it’s easy once you know the steps. However, if you need any repair work done, you must leave it to the professionals to ensure optimal results. At Jeffries Heating & Air + Plumbing, we provide reliable water heater services for the Somerset, KY community. We can also handle any issues you may have with your plumbing. Our licensed and trained plumbers are ready to tackle everything from repairs to installation. Along with that, our team is also there to assist with those maintenance tasks.
Contact us today to set up your next plumbing service consultation with one of our helpful professionals.
