Whether you need to perform maintenance and repairs, or it's time to buy a new water heater altogether, you'll need to know how to turn off a hot water heater.
Turning off a water heater isn't difficult, but the process is different depending on whether it's fueled by gas or electricity. This article will give you step-by-step directions on how to turn off both types of water heaters.
Table of Contents
How to Turn Off an Electric Water Heater
Step One: Shut Off the Breaker
Step Two: Communicate the Breaker is Off
How to Turn Off a Gas Water Heater
Step 1: Turn Off the Gas Control Valve
Step 2: Turn Off the Gas Line Valve
When Should You Turn Off a Water Heater?
How to Turn Off an Electric Water Heater
Turning off the power to your electric water heater is very simple.
Step One: Shut Off the Breaker
Electric water heaters are hard-wired, so to turn them off all you need to do is switch the circuit breaker to the "off" position in your electrical panel.
Step Two: Communicate the Breaker is Off
We highly recommend, placing a note over the breaker so someone doesn't inadvertently turn it back on while you're working, as this can be extremely dangerous.
Some point-of-use electric water heaters plug into a standard outlet. They may or may not have an on/off switch, but regardless you should unplug it from the outlet if you want to turn it off for repairs.
How to Turn Off a Gas Water Heater
Turning off a gas water heater can be done in two steps:
Step 1: Turn Off the Gas Control Valve
On the front of the tank, near the bottom is a gas control valve.
It's important to note that gas water heaters use different types of gas control valves, so it's a good idea to look on the side of your water heater for a sticker which provides directions on how to turn off your specific heater.
Once you've located your gas control valve, turn the dial to the "Off" position. This will shut down the pilot and prevent the burner from igniting.
Step 2: Turn Off the Gas Line Valve
Now, follow the gas supply line from your heater until you find the shut-off valve. All gas water heaters are required to have an easy-to-find shut-off valve located on the incoming gas line.
Turn the gas valve a ¼ turn, until the lever is in a perpendicular position in comparison to the gas line. This prevents the flow of gas to your water heater.
When Should You Turn Off a Water Heater?
There are a number of reasons you may need to turn off your water heater. Here are the most common ones:
Unusual Operation - If your water heater is doing anything out of the ordinary, such as making odd sounds, overheating, or tripping the breaker, then you should turn off your water heater until you can diagnose and repair the problem. We recommend calling a professional.
Routine Maintenance - If you need to drain or flush your tank, or perform other routine maintenance, you'll want to turn off your water heater. This is especially important with electric heaters since they use heating elements to heat the water. Failure to shut off the power will cause the elements to dry-fire and damage the element.
Repairs - Any time you're working on your water heater you should shut down your water heater's power. Electric water heaters typically run off a 30amp breaker with 240 volts of electricity. You don't want to take any chances.
Replace Water Heater - When your old water heater needs to be replaced, you'll need to turn off the power so you can remove the old heater and install the one.
Water Heater Leak - If your water heater is leaking, the problem could be as simple as a valve, or as serious as the tank. Either way you'll want to turn off your water heater and shut off the water until the leak is repaired.
Out-of-Town - Some homeowners like to turn off their water heater while they're on vacation. Although the idea is good, it can put additional strain on the heater. It's typically a better practice to turn it to "VAC" (vacation) mode if available. If not, you can simply turn it down to 50° or 60°F. Just remember to turn it back up when you get home!
FAQs
How to Turn Off a Hot Water Heater - Water Heater Leaking Info? ›
If you notice water leaking from near the base of your water heater, it could be an issue with the drain valve. The drain valve is designed to empty the water tank when needed, such as during maintenance. Solution: Inspect the drain valve for corrosion and replace.
What to do if your hot water heater is leaking from the bottom? ›If you notice water leaking from near the base of your water heater, it could be an issue with the drain valve. The drain valve is designed to empty the water tank when needed, such as during maintenance. Solution: Inspect the drain valve for corrosion and replace.
Can I use my hot water heater if it is leaking? ›You shouldn't keep using a water heater that is leaking from the bottom or anywhere else for the long term. You must immediately fix a water heater tank to prevent water damage to your home and appliance. If the leak is large, turn off the appliance right away and do not use hot water.
Can a hot water heater be turned off? ›If it is a gas water heater, go to your thermostat and switch the dial on top into the off position. If you have an electric water heater, switch off the corresponding circuit breaker. Turn off your water by locating the water valve and turning it as far as you can clockwise.
Should I turn off my hot water heater if it is leaking? ›When there's a leak. If your water heater springs a leak due for a variety of reasons, including age or a valve malfunction, you should always turn off the unit and shut off the water supply until the issue is resolved.
How long will a water heater last after it starts leaking? ›The length of life of your leaking water heater will depend on a number of factors, including the location of the leak. Most water heaters last from twelve to fifteen years. If yours is leaking, it doesn't mean your water heater is at the end.
How do I turn off my hot water without draining my tank? ›Turning the Water off at the Fixture or Appliance
For sink faucets, look for the shutoff valves located below the sink, near where the water supply tubes run up to the tailpieces on the faucet. Any faucet that supplies both hot and cold water will have two valves—one for the hot water supply and one for the cold.
How to find your inside stop valve. Your inside stop valve is inside your house and is normally located just after the water pipe enters the house. This is often under the kitchen sink, but can also be: In an airing cupboard.
Is a leaking hot water tank an emergency? ›Leaks: Major leaks can be emergencies. Water can cause damage to your home, increase the odds of electrical problems, and be a serious safety hazard for children and the elderly especially. Minor leaks can usually wait, but major ones should be handled right away.
Can I turn off water to house and leave water heater on? ›If your main water supply is turned off for any reason, it's best to shut down the water heater as a precaution until the supply resumes. Continuing to run your water heater when the tank isn't full could cause heat damage to the internal components.
Why is my hot water heater leaking? ›
Of all the issues that could cause a water heater to leak, the most common are faulty cold and hot water connections, loose gaskets, a damaged drain valve, and corrosion inside the tank. Some of these problems only require a little bit of tightening or updating to get your water heater back to full functionality.
Should you leave faucets open when water is turned off? ›Pipes: Turn off water supply to the house and drain pipes to protect them from freezing. You can empty pipes by running the water and flushing the toilets after the water has been turned off. After draining the pipes, it is a good idea to leave the faucets open to prevent pressure build up from any water that remains.
Can I take a shower if my water heater is leaking? ›When your water heater is leaking, you can usually take a shower, but it varies depending on the amount of the leak. Most water heater leaks at the drain valve, T&P valve, or delivery pipes, allowing only a tiny quantity of water to escape. If the leak is slight, you can take a shower before repairing it.
Where do water heaters usually leak? ›The drain valve, located at the bottom of the tank, is the likely source of water heater leaks. Check the drain valve for escaping water. In the case that a small drip is occurring, a garden hose cap or sprayer makes a quick leak fix until the valve can be replaced.
Why is the bottom of my water pressure tank leaking? ›If the leak is located at the bottom of the tank, the temperature-pressure relief valve might need to be replaced, or you might simply need to adjust the pressure. A loose drain valve can also cause leaks located at the bottom of the tank. Check to ensure the drain valve is tightly closed.