How To Shut Down Your Water Heater During An Emergency

How to safely switch off a hot water heater during an emergency is a frequent concern for many homeowners. Aside from learning to turn off the gas and water supply, all homeowners should be aware of the emergency shutdown process.

If you allow your water heater to run even when it is acting strange, you will likely experience leaks, or face electrical risks and other problems. In this situation, it is best to switch off your water heater first and then call one of our plumbing experts to check on the issue.

Contact Todd’s Water Heater Repair to Check if the Water Heater Needs Repair or Replacement

Homeowners who want to maintain the equipment by themselves can set a schedule for draining the water out regularly. It would minimize the impact of hard water deposits, and flushing the tank can optimize efficiency. Always turn off a hot water heater before touching it to eliminate any risk of harm. Then, you won’t have to deal with electricity or scorching hot water.

Steps for Shutting Off the Hot Water Heater

The guidelines below pertain to both gas and electric water heaters. It is also a good idea to review the manual your manufacturer provides regarding your equipment.

Step 1: Switch Off the Electricity or Gas Line 

For Gas: Turn the dial of the thermostat’s top from the “on” to the “off” setting. It will switch off the gas supply to the water heater. If the area reeks of gas, leave immediately and phone the gas provider.

For Electric: Locate your breaker box and switch off the breaker of your water heater. Alternatively, if your water heater has a disconnection button beside it, you may turn it off to stop electricity flowing to the water heater.

Step 2: Shut Off the Water Supply

For Gate Valve: If you have an old faucet with a turn handle, turn it clockwise until it stops. The water will get turned off.

For Ball Valve: To turn off a modern ball valve, move the handle one-fourth of a turn, and the water will turn off.

Step 3: Drain All the Water in the Water Heater

If required, empty the water heater by hooking a hose to the water heater tank’s drain valve and prevent potential damage. This way, you will be able to drain the whole water tank.

The hose’s other end needs to be in a safe space at a lower level so hot or eroding water cannot cause harm. Allow the water heater to drain by opening the hot water faucets around the home.  Once the vacuum seal gets broken, the tank will be able to breathe. 

Step 4: Make Sure the Hot Water Tank’s Relief Valve is Open 

Set the handle either straight out or upward. The tank becomes empty once the water has stopped pouring from the hose. Don’t forget that emptying hot water outside might damage grass and plants. The water heater will empty in 10 to 30 minutes. Tread cautiously because the water leaving the tank is probably still hot.

What is the Recommended Frequency Of Draining My Water Heater?

We advise you to empty the water from your water heater tank every quarterly to minimize corrosion, boost performance, and save energy. But only if you feel confident about performing the servicing tasks alone.

With that said, a qualified plumber may be more equipped to assist you with draining the water tank and turning off your water heater. Switch off your water heater before emptying it. It will lower the likelihood of shock or burning. Follow these steps whenever you turn off your water heater, whether an electric or gas model. 

When You Shouldn’t Drain the Water Heater

Although learning how to drain a water heater isn’t usually a regular home maintenance activity, there are a few reasons you would prefer not to. The first reason is that you are not confident about doing this task. If that is the case, let the water heater professional handle it since you don’t want to potentially cause water damage to your property or your water heater.

Secondly, if you’ve never drained your water heater previously, don’t do it. It’s not an activity you want to suddenly start doing if your water heater has been in use for a long time and you have never emptied the tank.

The metal at the bottom of the water heater tank frequently develops hot spots due to sediment buildup. The deposit formed there for years may have produced cracks in the tank’s bottom. This sediment prevents those cracks from opening up. 

But once the hot water tank has been flushed and drained, the sediment that seals the leaks may be eliminated. You risk having a leaking device if you abruptly empty the water heater and remove this sediment.

Choose the Most Reliable Services for Water Heater Repair and Replacement in Colorado

Make an appointment with Todd’s Water Heater Repair if you need help diagnosing a damaged hot water heater. For homeowners in Colorado, our staff offers first-rate water heater replacement and repair services. 

Our team has years of expertise in repairs, shutting off, flushing, and checking your hot water heater. Our certified plumbers are committed to helping you extend the lifespan of your system. We are available anytime and work around the clock to serve the residents of Colorado. Contact us at +1-303-569-6211.