Fast Method to Turn Off Water Heater

Having to turn off your water heater can seem like an intimidating task. But with the right preparation and knowledge, it can actually be quite straightforward.

Why You Might Need to Turn It Off

There's a few common reasons you may need to shut off your hot water heater:

• Strange noises or signs of potential damage or overheating
• Noticing a gas smell from the unit
• Discovering a water leakage or small flood around the tank
• Preparing for maintenance , repairs or even full replacement

It's generally wise to power it down anytime something seems amiss with your water heating system. Better to be safe than sorry when dealing with electricity and gas .

Locate the Water Heater

First step is simply locating where your hot water tank sits. In most homes and properties, it will be in either the:

• Basement
• Garage
• Utility closet
• Dedicated mechanical room

Once you spot it, get familiar with the specific model and any instruction manuals if still available. Understanding the basic mechanics and parts involved will make turning off the power and water simpler.

Key Things to Note

• Is it gas or electric powered?
• Where is the thermostat and dial located?
• Do you see the circuit breaker or switch nearby?

Shutting Off the Power Supply

The power source keeping the tank heated will either be gas or electricity . Start by cutting off whichever one your unit relies on:

For Gas Models

1. Find the gas control thermostat on the appliance.
2. Turn the dial fully counter-clockwise to the "OFF" marker.
3. Visually confirm the pilot light is no longer illuminated.

For Electric Units

1. Locate the correct circuit breaker connected to the water heater.
2. Flip the breaker to the full "OFF" position.
3. Double check the panel to verify power is cut.

With the system deactivated, you can move forward with draining water and checking connections.

Turning Off the Water Lines

Before draining a water heater tank, always turn off the cold and hot water lines leading into the appliance. Here's how:

1. Find the shut-off valves for both cold and hot supply lines.
2. Completely close each valve by turning handles clockwise.
3. Confirm handles are perpendicular to pipe direction.

This stops pressurized water from entering while you disconnect hoses or pipes in subsequent steps. Closing valves also limits leakage if seals or gaskets fail.

Opening All Hot Water Taps

With the tank now isolated between closed valves, open all hot water taps in the home. This allows built-up pressure to drain and brings new air into the hot water system when re-pressurizing. Faucets to check:

• Showers
• Baths
• Sinks
• Appliances like dishwasher and washing machine

Let taps run until the flow of hot water ceases. This also brings fresh air into pipes to avoid issues with vacuum pressure building back up later.

Disconnecting Water Lines

At this stage, water supply is off and taps are opened. Now you can detach the inlet and outlet lines or hoses:

1. Have a bucket ready to catch any leftover water still inside.
2. Unscrew connector hoses using the proper sized wrench.
3. Gently pull water lines loose once loosened.
4. Plug any open ports so debris doesn't enter.
5. Inspect all parts for wear, damage or need of replacement .

Draining the Tank

With water piping removed, attach a garden hose to the tank drain valve. This allows you to redirect water safely as it empties out:

1. Connect hose & run it to a floor drain or outdoors.
2. Place the end in an empty bucket if needed.
3. Open the drain valve fully until all water exits.
4. Speed up draining by lifting the pressure relief lever.

Allow plenty of time for the tank to run dry. An average unit with 50 gallons could take 10 minutes or more to fully gravity drain.

Inspecting the Water Heater

With no water inside, now is an opportune time to inspect the interior condition of your hot water tank:

• Check for mineral deposits and sediment buildup.
• Assess corrosion and rust accumulating on surfaces.
• Determine if small leaks caused any surrounding damage.

The inspection can help you decide whether cleaning and maintenance will suffice or if whole unit replacement is necessary.

Preparing Tank for Future Use

If merely turning off the appliance for repairs or upgrades, you'll eventually need to restore system operation. Before turning water and power back on:

1. Install any new parts, fittings or replacement hoses.
2. Re-attach water lines to the proper hot and cold ports.
3. Close the tank drain valve left open earlier.
4. Verify hot water faucets are closed.

Double check all joints and valves before proceeding. Small leaks can slowly damage surroundings if not corrected.

Returning Home Water Service

With everything re-connected, sealed and closed up, restore your water heater to working order:

1. Re-open the feed water supply valves.
2. Go to the circuit breaker and flip on power switch.
3. For gas heaters, rotate thermostat dial back to "ON".

That covers the key steps for safely shutting down and re-starting a residential water heating appliance in a time efficient manner.

While turning off a hot water tank may sound complicated, this guide outlines a quick process anyone can follow.

The sequence involves first cutting electrical power, followed by shutting off water supply lines. Hoses are disconnected before finally draining the tank itself. The same steps are essentially reversed after any repairs or work is completed.

Paying attention to safety issues around electricity, gas lines and pressurized water is paramount. But taking your time and using propertools lowers any risks.

In many cases, there's no need to hire a professional assuming you prepare accordingly. But for very large or complex systems, calling a licensed plumber may still be wise.