Become Familiar With The Procedure For Turning Off Your Water Heater in An Emergency
A common question many of our clients ask us is how to turn off their water heater on their own.
This is one of the procedures all homeowners should be aware of, including how to shut off their gas and water supply. If your water heater is acting odd, such as making knocking noises or overheating, allowing it to keep operating may worsen the problem.
To avoid the risk of your water heater leaking or failing by flooding your room or garage, it’s safest to turn it off and have one of our plumbing technicians inspect it.
Call Donnelly’s Cooling, Heating & Plumbing to examine your water heater and determine if it needs repairs or should be replaced.
Understanding the Water Heater Emergency Shut-Off Valve
To prevent injury, you need to shut off your water heater before handling it. This way, you won’t expose yourself to scalding hot water or contact with electricity.
In case of an emergency, it’s crucial to know how to quickly shut off your water heater to prevent further damage. The water heater emergency shut-off valve plays an essential role in this process, allowing you to stop the flow of water and gas (if applicable) to the water heater.
This valve is a safety feature designed to give you control during emergencies, such as a leak or malfunction.
Shutdown Instructions For The Water Heater
Here, our top-rated plumbers explain how to use and where to find the emergency shut-off valve on a water heater. These instructions apply to both gas water heaters and electric units. It’s also important to review any materials about your appliance provided by the manufacturer.
Familiarize yourself with the diagram on this page to become acquainted with the features of your water heater.
Step 1: Turn Off the Gas Or Electricity power source
For a gas water heater, above the thermostat is a dial. Twist the thermostat dial to the OFF position. To cut the power to an electric water heater, go to your circuit breaker box, locate the breaker to your water heater, and switch it to the OFF position.
Step 2: Turn Off The Water Supply
Turn the water shut-off valve clockwise until it stops. If this doesn’t stop the water flow, then turn off the valve of the main water line to the house.
Step 3: Drain Out The Water Heater
Attaching a hose to the drain valve of the water heater’s tank will allow you to remove all the water housed inside. The other end of the hose should be in a lower area at a safe location to dispense the water. Then to let air into the tank, open the hot water faucets in the house.
Step 4: Open the relief valve on the hot water tank
Position the handle straight out or up. Once the water finishes flowing from the hose, the tank is drained.
Be careful! The water coming out of the tank is still likely to be very hot.
Contact Donnelly’s Cooling, Heating & Plumbing for Water Heater Services
If you’re struggling with water heater issues or need assistance with the emergency shut-off valve, we’re here to help. Our experts can provide fast and reliable services to ensure your water heater is functioning safely. Contact us today for professional water heater repairs, and maintenance.
To answer all your water heater questions or if you need our emergency services, call Donnelly’s Cooling, Heating & Plumbing to schedule a service.
