How To Turn Off a Water Heater

Do you know how to shut off your water heater? You might not think about this until you see water pooling around the base of the heater, smell a sulfuric or rotten egg odor, go on a long vacation, or experience similar situations. No matter what type of water heater you have — whether it is tankless, traditional, gas, or electric — all homeowners should know how to safely turn it off.

How to Turn Off an Electric Water Heater

Storage Tank

• Locate the Circuit Breaker: Go to your electrical panel in the basement, garage, or utility room. Identify the breaker specifically for your water heater. It may be labeled “Water Heater” or “Hot Water.” If it is a double-pole breaker, it will likely be one of the larger switches.
• Turn Off the Power: Flip the designated breaker to the “Off” position to cut the power supply to the heater.
• Shut Off the Water Supply: Find the cold water inlet pipe at the top of the water heater. There should be a valve on this pipe. Turn the valve clockwise until it stops. This is usually a ball valve that requires a 90-degree turn to be fully closed.
• Drain the Water Heater (if necessary): Connect a garden hose to the drain valve located at the bottom of the water heater. Place the other end of the hose in an area where hot water can safely discharge, like a basement drain or outdoors. Open the drain valve to allow water to flow out. This might be necessary if you need to perform maintenance or prevent freezing.
• Ventilation and Safety Check: Make sure the area is well-ventilated. Check for any leaks around the water heater. If you notice any wet spots, rust, or water damage, further investigation by a professional might be necessary.

Tankless

• Turn Off the Circuit Breaker: Similar to the tank model, locate your circuit breaker panel. Find the breaker designated for your tankless water heater and switch it to the “Off” position.
• Shut Off the Water Supply: Locate the incoming water valve, which should be clearly marked on or near your unit. Turn the valve clockwise to stop the flow of water to the heater.
• Drain the Unit (recommended for maintenance): If your unit is equipped with a drain valve, attach a hose and allow water to drain out. This is especially important if the unit will be turned off for an extended period or if there is a risk of freezing.
• Inspect and Clean (if needed): Check for any visible signs of wear, corrosion, or leakage. Many tankless systems have in-line filters that can be cleaned or replaced. Consult your owner’s manual for specific maintenance tips.

How to Turn Off a Gas Water Heater

Storage Tank

• Turn Off the Gas Supply: The gas valve is usually located within a few feet of the unit. Turn the valve handle perpendicular to the gas line to shut off the gas supply completely.
• Turn Off the Water Supply: Find the shut-off valve on the cold water inlet leading to the heater. Turn it clockwise until it is fully closed.
• Power Down the Water Heater: Most gas heaters have a thermostat or control dial on the outside of the unit. Turn the dial to the “Off” position to stop the water heater from heating.
• Drain the Water Heater: If you need to drain the system, attach a garden hose to the drain valve at the bottom of the water heater. Run the other end of the hose to a drain or outside. Open a hot water tap somewhere in the house to allow air into the system. Then open the drain valve to allow the water to flow out.
• Check for Leaks and the Smell of Gas: After shutting off the gas, check the water heater and gas lines for an unusual gas smell. If you detect anything, evacuate the area immediately and call your gas company or a professional plumber from a safe location.

Tankless

• Shut Off the Gas and Water Supply: Turn the gas valve (connected to the heater) handle to a 90-degree angle from the pipe to cut off the gas supply. Turn the cold water supply valve clockwise to ensure no new water enters the unit.
• Power Down the Unit: If your tankless water heater has an on/off switch, turn it off. Alternatively, some models require you to lower the temperature to the lowest setting and then turn the unit to the “Off” position using the main control.
• Drain the Unit: If you are going away for a while or starting some long-term maintenance work, drain the tankless gas unit to prevent the buildup of sediment and bacteria. Connect a hose to the purge valves (if your model includes them) to drain any remaining water. Do not forget to regularly check around the unit for any signs of leakage or damage.

Signs You Need to Call a Water Heater Repair Expert in Nevada

If you encounter any of these issues when following the above steps to turn off the water heater safely, it is safer to stop what you are doing and contact a plumbing expert:

• Rotten food, sulfur, burning, metallic, or sewage smell coming from the heater.
• Water accumulating at the base of the unit or along the pipes.
• The shut-off valves (gas or water) are stiff, unable to turn or appear to be damaged.
• Burnt wiring, tripping breakers, or sparks (for electric heaters).
• Significant rust or corrosion on the tank or in the connections.
• Popping, hissing, banging, or other unusual noises.
• The thermostat or control panels do not respond or appear dysfunctional when you attempt to turn off the unit.
• The pressure relief valve is leaking or dripping when the heater is off.

Call Active Plumbing & Air Conditioning in Nevada for Water Heater Repair or Replacement

When your water heater stops heating like it used to, it is time for a complete system tune-up at the very least. Depending on how old the unit is, you may need to get it replaced. At Active Plumbing & Air Conditioning, our team of certified, licensed, and insured residential plumbers can help you find the right tank system or on-demand hot water model for your family’s needs. To schedule a service call, call us at (702) 553-1171 or contact us online.