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One of the most frequent questions we receive from customers at Black Mountain Plumbing is “Exactly how do I shut off my water heater?” This is something EVERY SINGLE homeowner ought to know how to carry out in case of a water heater emergency.
If your hot water heater is overheating, making unusual noises or operating abnormally, it’s EXTEMELY IMPORTANT that you do not allow it to run; the longer your water heater carries on working, the more serious the problem could get and the more likely that you are going to have a leak, flooding or even worse. Even if you have called a water heater specialist to come look at the problem, it is still better if you can turn off the hot water heater before the specialist arrives to check your appliance.
Do-it-yourselfers who execute their own hot water heater maintenance will want to drain water from their hot water heater tank every 3 months to avoid sediment build-up and better operation and energy-efficiency. Before draining your water heater, you DEFINITELY need to turn it off to avoid the risk of scalding or electrocution.
If you have a electric water heater or a gas water heater, follow these instructions when there is any water heater emergency you must turn off your appliance.
How to Shut Off Your Water Heater: when there is water heater emergency
SHUT OFF GAS OR ELECTRICITY:
Gas: Twist the dial on the top of the thermostat from the ON the OFF position.
Electric: Switch the circuit breaker for the water heater to the OFF position.
TURN OFF THE WATER SUPPLY: Turn the handle on the water valve CLOCKWISE until it stops. If the water does not stop, turn off the primary water valve for the whole house.
DRAIN WATER HEATER: Within your house, open up any of the hot-water faucets in one of your sinks or tubs. This will help prevent a vacuum from forming in the lines. Return to the water-heater, and open up the drain valve to drain the hot water from the tank. Be sure the far end of the hose is draining someplace that won’t be damaged by hot water. An outside driveway is optimal.
TEST THE PRESSURE RELEASE VALVE: When the water temperature has been brought back up, test the pressure-relief valve according to the manufacturer’s instructions. If this Water Heater Emergency valve is faulty call your local plumber.
Serving San Diego and San Diego County for over 25 years with quality work and great service. We also service these cities – El Cajon, La Mesa, Lakeside, Poway, Ramona, Santee, Pacific Beach, La Jolla, University City, Tierrasanta, Rancho Penasquitos, Rancho Bernardo, Rancho Santa Fe, Encinitas, Del Mar, Solana Beach, Leucadia, Sorrento Valley, Miramar, Mira Mesa, Scripps Ranch, Vista, Carlsbad, San Marcos, Fairbanks Ranch, 4S Ranch, and Sabre Springs.
