It may not seem like something as basic as turning off your water heater would be somewhat difficult. A lot of homeowners find themselves scratching their head when trying to figure out what valves to turn their heater off. This will vary depending on whether your system is a gas or electric heater, it may take a few extra steps to make sure everything is shut down completely. Take a look at some of the steps we have provided to turn off both electric and gas water heaters to make sure its done properly.
When Should You Turn Off Your Water Heater?
The only time you need to turn off your water heater is when you have a leak. A leak from your water heater can happen for many reasons from age, and rust to a malfunction with the valve. As soon as you realize your water heater is leaking, you should turn off the water supply until Knights Plumbing can come and have a look to determine what is causing the leak or suggest a replacement if the tank can’t be repaired. Some people think they need to turn off their water heater before they go away, but it’s not necessary.
By turning off your water heater when you go away you’ll come home to find you have no hot water. This will also add wear and tear to your water heater from the effort required to shut down, turn back on and then reheat an entire tank. You can lower the temperature to about 50°F or set your water heater VAC for “ vacation mode“ If you’ll be gone for a while (most newer models provide this).
For Gas Water Heaters
- Find Your Water Heater
If you’re unsure where your water heater is located, most are usually in the basement, a utility closet, or sometimes in the garage or attic.
- Find The Temperature Dial
For gas water heaters, you will need to look for the temperature dial which is usually located at the front on the bottom. You’ll go ahead and turn that dial off.
- Find The Plumbing Line
The plumbing line is either at the top or bottom of your water heater. Once you turn the valve off, you have successfully cut off the water supply.
- Draining The Heater
If your intent is to drain the heater, you’ll need a hose hook up to the boiler drain. You can then put the hose outside to let the water drain into your yard, or you can use a bucket. However, a bucket might not be big enough depending on how much water is in your tank.
- Locate The Gas Supply Valve
The valve tends to be on the right side of the water heater. To shut off the gas you either have a lever or a knob. If it is a lever turn it perpendicular. For knobs turn it clockwise.
- Locate The Relief Valve
The final step is to look for the relief valve near the top of the water heater. Once you turn it off it allows air to enter the tank.
For Electric Water Heaters
- Find Your Water Heater.
Your electric heater will be located in the same place as listed above for the gas water heaters
- Find Your Breaker Box
For electric water heaters you’ll need to find your breaker box. In most cases, this box is located either in the garage or on the exterior of your house. From there you’ll need to find the breaker line providing power to your water heater and turn it off.
- Find The Plumbing Line
The plumbing line is either at the top or bottom of your electric water heater. Once you turn the valve off you have cut off the water supply.
- Draining The Heater
As with gas water heaters, if you need to drain the heater you can attach a garden hose to the boiler drain. Either put the hose outside to let the water drain into your yard or use a bucket. However, watch the water level in the bucket as it might not be big enough depending on how much water is in your tank.
- Locate the Relief Valve
The final step is to look for the relief valve near the top of the electric water heater. Turn it off to allow air to enter the tank.
At the first signs of water heater leak make sure to give us a call 281-480-0733.
To check out our previous blog "Most Common Summer Plumbing Problems" click here!