How to Turn Off a Water Heater

Although water heaters are one of the most useful appliances in the home, they also come with risks. It's not uncommon for a water heater installation to be the source of significant water damage. Even if you don't have an accident, running a water heater is expensive, so if you have a second home or go on extended vacations, you need to make a habit of shutting off the water heater. If you know how to turn off water heater systems, then you can avoid waste or catastrophe in your absence. If you are looking for other solutions for preventing water heater accidents, try a Grohe Sense water sensor.

Before you turn off the water heater, you need to figure out if it's gas or electric. We have two different sets of instructions, but they are pretty similar:

How to Turn Off Gas Water Heater

Turn the temperature dial off - the dial is typically located towards the bottom of the water heater tank.
Cut the water supply - the water heater has a plumbing line running to it with a shut-off valve. This is usually found near the top of the water heater tank. Close the valve.
Cut the gas supply - repeat step 2, but do it with the gas line. Locate and close the valve.
Turn off the relief valve - locate the PRV valve and turn it off so that air cannot enter the water heater tank.

If you need to drain the water heater, you can do that at any time after step 2, whether it's gas or electric. During this process, if you have any old water heater parts or valves that need replacement, don't hesitate to take action. It's like Grandaddy always said, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

How to Turn Off Electric Water Heater

turning off electric and gas water heaters

Cut the power to the water heater - you will need to do this at your home's breaker box (probably in the garage or somewhere on the exterior of the home).
Cut the water supply - the water heater has a plumbing line running to it with a shut-off valve. This is usually found near the top of the water heater tank. Close the valve.
Turn off the relief valve - locate the PRV valve and turn it off so that air cannot enter the water heater tank.

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Have you considered a tankless water heater? The future is now! If you want to learn more about water heating (Wiki), there is plenty more to learn. Check out our water heater tutorials.