ERNIEGRAVES | Process Measurement & Control

How Do You Turn Off An Electric Water Heater?

Posted on Author Andrey KiligannPosted in CONTROLOTRONLeave a Reply

5 Simple Steps to Turn Off Water Heater

Gas or water leaks are some of the things that might cause the most anxiety in a person.However, if you know how to switch off a water heater, you won’t have to worry about this all of the time.When you hear your digital alarm go off, now is not the moment to worry or do anything stupid.Even before you hire a plumber, you must switch off all of the utilities to prevent a gas or water leak from spreading.

How to Turn Off Water Heater

Heat exhaustion, unusual noises, and other warning signals indicate that you are in danger, and you must take action immediately. So, if you want to learn how to switch off a water heater, then follow these simple steps: 1.

Step 1. Disconnect from the Power Source

The first step is to locate your water heater’s power source and disconnect it from the grid. If there is an electric unit, make certain that the circuit breaker is turned off before proceeding. When dealing with the gas unit, look for the dial that is next to the thermostat and turn it in the other way.

Step 2. Turn the Water Off

This procedure should not be performed until you are certain that the electricity connection to the water heater has been switched off fully.When purchasing an electric tankless water heater or a propane tankless water heater, several types of handles will be provided for your convenience.Some handles are circular, and all that is required to switch them off is a little rotation to the right of the handle.With this operation, you allow cold water to flow into the sink and tubs, and hot water will no longer be available to those fixtures.

  1. If you are unable to locate the location where the water supply is linked to the heater, switch off the water supply to the entire home.
  2. Navigate to a valve near the meter and flip it in the other way by removing the box and turning it back.

Step 3. Carefully Drain the Water in the Tank

Check the bottom of the tank to see if there is a place where you can attach a hose to drain the water.Insert the hose’s other end into a floor drain or a bathtub until all of the hot water has been drained.To find out if there is any special advice concerning safety when draining water, carefully read the product handbook.The first step in figuring out how to switch off a hot water heater is to cut off both the electricity and the water supply.

  1. By doing so, you may reduce the likelihood of any potential harm that leaks or a faulty propane gas water heater may provide to you.
  2. When draining the tank, use extreme caution to prevent splattering hot water on yourself.

Step 4. Label Your Circuit Breaker

It is possible that the content of your circuit breaker is complex and ambiguous.This will need the use of labels to ensure that you are aware of the original position of each component.In the event of an emergency, and you are forced to turn off the power totally, those labels will be quite useful.If you have a circuit breaker that has already been labeled, carefully inspect each component to discover its purpose.

  1. You don’t want somebody to assume you shut off the electricity when you actually did not.

Step 5. Practice Shutting Off Water Heater

When their heater leaks or their alarm goes off, the majority of individuals worry and get befuddled.The only way to avoid this confusion is to be aware of how to switch off the water heater in advance of when it is needed.Maintaining the practice of emptying your water heater every six months will help you become more familiar with the procedure.Make a practice of turning on and off the hot water heater supply that runs throughout the entire house.

  1. Become adept at opening the valve carefully, since twisting it too rapidly might exacerbate the situation.
  2. If you’re not sure how to go about it, seek for assistance from a professional plumber in your area.
  3. This understanding is also applicable when it comes to cutting off the water supply to all of the appliances in your home.
  4. A little frequent practice can help you to overcome the feelings of terror that you may encounter in an emergency.
  5. When your water heater is heating, you will not want to make the situation worse by not knowing how to switch it off when it is heating.

How to Turn Off a Gas Water Heater

It is essential that you learn how to turn off a gas water heater if you have a tankless gas water heater in your house. To have it done correctly, follow these simple steps.

Step 1: Turn Off the Water Heater Valve

You will see a red or black button on the front of the tank if you look closely.These buttons are sometimes buried under insulating materials, and you must remove the insulating material in order to show the button.The switch should be moved or turned from the ″on″ position to the ″off″ position.When you turn off the heater, the pilot light will cease operating and the burner will stop heating.

  1. Remove the heat shield and inspect the inside for evidence of heat or flames before replacing it.
  2. If you’re performing maintenance, switch on the pilot light; the flame will remain lighted, but the burner will not function.

Step 2: Turn Off the Line that Supplies Gas

If you wish to go outside and hear the heater hissing, turn off the gas line valve before you leave the house.Simply go to the heater and turn off the gas valve that is situated on the gas line near the heater.The lever should be perpendicular to the gas line when it is fully extended.If you can’t locate any valves, follow the gas line until you come to a handle that functions as a switch for the light.

  1. Gas line valves are usually straightforward to find, and you won’t have to spend much time looking for them.
  2. However, if you are unable to locate it, consult a competent plumber.

Step 3: Shut Down the Water Heater

If you’re going to be away from home during the winter, make sure you drain the water from the tank to prevent it from freezing.Turn off the water heater and leave it off for 12 hours to enable the water to cool and prevent scalding from occurring.You drain your tank, be sure to do the following: Make sure you have a bucket underneath the pressure release valve so that the water flows directly into the bucket.Open the relief valve to enable the steam to escape, and then gently release the lever to close the valve completely.

  1. Connect a hose to the drain valve, which is situated near the bottom of the tank.
  2. Pull the hose to the specific location where you want the water to drain from.
  3. In most cases, the draining region should be located at a higher elevation than the water tank’s location.
  4. You should drain the water into your garden if you have one if you have a home with a garden.
  5. Pouring water out of the faucets requires turning off the cold water valve and turning on the hot water taps.
  6. Allow for complete drainage of the water by keeping the drain valve open until the water is completely gone.

After that, close all of the faucets in the home that are now open.Alternatively, if the water does not drain, it is possible that mineral deposits have accumulated in the drainage channels.Close the valve and then remove the hose to ensure that all deposits have been removed.Reattach the hose and turn on the valve one more to complete the process.

How to Turn Off an Electric Water Heater

When it comes to turning off your electric water heater, the five actions listed below are helpful. Follow the instructions and you will discover how to switch off your water heater in your house.

Step 1: Turn Off the Breaker

Locating the two-pole circuit breaker is the first step in figuring out how to switch off an electric water heater.It has a current of around 30 to 50 amps and is generally labeled.Even if you have turned off the electric water heater, it is always a good idea to cut off the electricity at the breaker panel.If the breaker is equipped with lock-out lugs, secure them to the breaker.

  1. If you are concerned that you will make a mistake, identify the breaker with paper tape to prevent this from happening.
  2. Keeping everyone in the house informed about what you are doing at any given time is also a smart idea.
  3. They should refrain from getting close to the service panel or the water heater until you are finished with them.
  4. As a precaution, check the interior of the lid with a non-contact voltage tester to ensure there is no heat trapped within.
  5. When replacing the water heater element, it is dangerous to expose yourself to electric shock or high temperatures.

Step 2: Put a Tag on the Breaker

Safety regulations require that you label everything you are working on in order to prevent anyone from being injured.When working with electricity, it’s best to keep the area closed off to prevent prospective victims from entering the area.Mark the location and the equipment to serve as a warning to anyone who might unintentionally walk too close to the site.When it comes to the home, simply turning off the breaker isn’t adequate because everyone is exposed to the same hazard.

  1. The use of identification and restrictions to notify family members about potential threats would be extremely beneficial..
  2. While it is not necessary to imitate building site protocols, it is necessary to ensure that everyone is safe.
  3. Don’t take the concept of safety lightly because even a single electrocution can result in death.
  4. Take practical efforts to ensure that the heater and the breaker are entirely disconnected from the power source.
  5. Putting paper tape on the breaker and labeling it ″Do Not Touch″ is another technique to ensure safety.
  6. Anyone who takes the time to read the warning will stay away from the dangerous area.

Step 3: Cool Off the Water

Before you begin any repairs, you will need to let the water in the tank to cool down.It is advisable to switch off the heater in order to prevent the water from being overheated.Set aside some time for the water to gently and gradually cool on its own.You should avoid attempting to chill the water by adding cold water to the container.

  1. Simply turn on a faucet in your home and let it to flow for an extended period of time.
  2. After some time, the water should feel lukewarm, which indicates that it is okay to begin your repairs.
  3. Once the repair is complete, switch on the water heater and allow the water to heat up as normal for around 15 minutes.
  4. Before using hot water for showering, laundry, or dishwashing anywhere in the house, wait one hour.

Step 4: Turning Water Off

  1. Water tanks should always be equipped with a shut-off valve located on the outlet outside the home’s perimeter.
  2. The tank’s placement prevents it from accumulating an excessive amount of internal pressure.
  3. When working on the hot water tank, make sure to turn off the cold water supply.
  4. If your tank has two valves, locate the one that allows cold water to enter and shut it off completely.
  5. When facing the tank, the valve is normally on your right as you stand facing it.
  • Normally, two valves should not be found on a single supply line, therefore use caution when doing this task.
  • Feel the pipes with your hands to see whether there is any water flowing through them.
  • The cold line is used for cold water, while the hot pipe is used for hot water, as the name implies.
  • Alternatively, you might choose to switch on a water faucet in your home.

The hot water supply line is the one that vibrates as the water flows out of the faucet.Make a label for the cold line to serve as a reminder of which valve should be kept closed at all times.

Step 5: Drain the Hot Water Tank

  1. As you learn more about how to switch off the hot water heater supply, you’ll come across a few interesting facts.
  2. It is possible to carry out various chores without having to empty the water tank.
  3. While changing or testing the thermostat or monitoring the power supply unit, you can leave the tank at its maximum capacity of 80%.
  4. Draining the water is required before doing activities such as removing or replacing an element or flushing sediments.
  5. The accumulation of deposits in the bottom part of the tank might have an impact on the heating of the water in that section.
  • Before emptying and making repairs, turn off the water heater and allow it to cool down completely.

Wrap Up

  • Clearly, shutting off water heaters of any sort has never been as simple as it is right now. The only prerequisite is that you understand how to switch off the water heater.. Yes, it is as straightforward as that. In the comments area, please tell whether your experience was similar or different from mine. Thanks for reading. We’ll be delighted to benefit from your first-hand knowledge. Continue to keep in mind the following summary of the processes outlined in this article: Turn off the water heater
  • turn off the electricity at the circuit breaker
  • turn off the water supply
  • make any necessary repairs
  • and then turn on the water again if necessary.

Learn the Proper and Safe Way to Do the Job

  1. Draining the tank of an electric water heater may be necessary if you are experiencing issues with the unit and are attempting to diagnose or remedy the problem.
  2. Preventative maintenance, such as partial drainage, can be performed to keep silt from accumulating.
  3. In most cases, this is advised once every month and a half for the first year, and then once every six months following that.
  4. It doesn’t matter what the cause is for needing to drain your electric water heater; just make sure you follow these procedures to ensure the task is done correctly.

Before You Begin

  1. Before you do anything else, you must first shut down the water heater’s electrical power supply.
  2. This is accomplished at the electrical panel by turning off the circuit breaker or fuse that supplies power to the water heater.
  3. Turning off the water supply to the water heater is the next step.
  4. You should be able to locate a water shutdown valve at or near the cold water inflow line, which should be located at the top of the tank.
  5. Close the valve by turning it counterclockwise.
  • If you are unable to locate a local cutoff valve, you can turn off the water supply to the home at the main shutoff valve instead.

Materials

  • Bucket
  • Rubber work gloves

Locate and Prepare the Drain

  1. The drain cock at the bottom of the water heater tank is a silver, brass-colored, or plastic valve with a threaded end.
  2. This is the point at which water is released from the water heater.
  3. You need somewhere for the water to go when you drain the tank.
  4. Pour the water into the bucket underneath the drain valve or into the valve itself by connecting a garden hose to the threaded end.
  5. If you want to utilize the garden hose, make sure you direct it to a floor drain.

Open the Pressure Release Valve

After that, you’ll need to locate the temperature and pressure (T&P) valve on the water heater so that you may release pressure built up in the tank. Depending on the model, it is either on the side or on top of the water heater. Look for a valve with a tube that extends downward from the top. To open the T&P valve, raise the lever on the T&P valve to the up position.

See also:  How To Test Hot Water Heater Thermostat

Let the Water Cool

Despite the fact that you may drain a water heater while the water is still hot, basic safety standards recommend that you wait until the water has cooled to reduce the danger of scorching. This may be accomplished by waiting a few hours.

Tip

This is an excellent opportunity to take a hot shower if your water heater is in good operating order and you are only emptying it for maintenance. This can assist in lowering the volume of water in the tank while also removing some of the hot water from the tank.

Drain the Tank

  1. It is now time to remove the water from the tank, having followed all safety procedures.
  2. Some drain valves are equipped with a handle.
  3. The stems of several of these tools are short and handleless, with a groove for a flathead screwdriver.
  4. For a partial flush, turn the valve counter-clockwise so that a few litres of water are released into a bucket or hose.
  5. You should let the tank drain until it’s completely empty if you’re conducting a complete drain using a hose.
  • It is recommended that you use rubber gloves when flushing the toilet with a bucket to avoid getting scalded.
  • To empty the tank, fill the bucket halfway with water and open and close the valve as many times as necessary.
  • If you need to tip the bucket to pull it out from under the valve spout, fill it only partly with water first.

Close the Valve

As soon as the draining is finished, close the T&P valve by flipping the lever down, followed by closing the drain valve by rotating the valve clockwise. Remove the bucket from the sink or disconnect the hose.

Restore Power and Water

You will be able to do any necessary maintenance once the tank has been drained. When the repair is complete, or if this was only a maintenance flush, reconnect the power and water supply to the water heater to finish the cycle.

Shutting Down an Electric Water Heater

  1. This article is largely concerned with the process of turning off an electric water heater.
  2. Water tank interior parts may be damaged if the required procedures are not followed.
  3. There are just a few steps to complete, and they are all straightforward.
  4. Gas water heaters and electric water heaters are the most common types of water heaters found in most households.
  5. See the section below for information on how to determine what type of water heater you have installed.
  • Propane would be included in the definition of gas for the purposes of this debate.
  • You may find instructions on how to shut down an electric hot water heater in the article ‘How to Shut Down an Electric Hot Water Heater.’ Do you have any additional difficulties that you need to take care of?
  • When it comes to shutting off an electric hot water tank, there are two processes involved.
  • To begin, you’ll want to turn off the electricity.

Do not undertake any repairs on an electric hot water heater without first shutting down the electricity supply.Even the simple act of removing the inspection covers might be hazardous.Not sure whether this is the source of your issue?If you’re looking for a comprehensive list of water heater topics, check out the articles ‘Electric Water Heater Troubleshooting’ and ‘Troubleshooting Gas Water Heaters.″

Identifying Water Heater Types

How To Identify an Electric Water Heater

Electric Water Heater Power Supply
  1. The simplest and possibly most obvious way to tell if a water heater is electric is to look for an electrical line that enters the tank from the top.
  2. This cable might be made of metal conduit, flexible metal cable, or even a romex cable with a plastic sheath.
  3. The majority of the time, this cable will enter the unit at the top, however it is conceivable that it could enter the unit by the side.
  4. There are a variety of gas water heaters available with electrical connections, so this does not rule out the possibility of purchasing one of them.
  5. A power vent connector will be included on models that feature power vents.
  • These are more costly versions that are also less prevalent.
Lack of a Vent
  1. Electric hot water heaters do not have vents, unlike gas or propane models.
  2. The use of vents on gas water heaters is essential in order to eliminate hazardous gases.
  3. Electric water heaters do not emit any fumes, and as a result, they do not require a vent.
  4. Vents can be constructed of metal or plastic, and they are often installed in a chimney, a metal vent pipe, or through an outside wall.
  5. With an electric water heater, the only thing that can be found on its top is its water inlets and a power line.
  • There will be no VENT present.
Upper and Lower Access Panels
  1. Electric hot water heaters heat water by circulating it via heating elements.
  2. The majority of them are composed of two elements: an upper and a lower component.
  3. The heating components are hidden behind access panels on the side of the water heater for easy access.
  4. It is possible that the panels will be spaced differently, but typically one will be towards the bottom of the water heater and the other can be anywhere from the middle of it to the top.
  5. The panels may be a different color from the rest of the water heater housing or the same color as the rest of the water heater housing.
  • They are typically fastened in place by two screws and are rather simple to remove if necessary.
  • A gas water heater will simply have a gas valve and a burner access panel at the bottom of the water tank, and will not have any other features.
  • There will be no access panels on the upper levels of the dwelling.
No Gas Burner
  1. Internal heating components are used in an electric hot water heater, which eliminates the need for a burner assembly.
  2. Typically, the burner component is located at the bottom of the hot water heater, making it easy to locate.
  3. Are you unsure about which kind you have?
  4. There are a few of distinguishing characteristics that make it simple to determine which type you are wearing.
  5. Electric water heaters are easy to spot because of their wiring that enters them via their tops (Figure 1).
  • Aside from that, because they do not need any fuel to heat up, electric water heaters do not have any vents.
  • The vent at the top of a gas water heater is a telltale sign that it is working.
  • Your hot water heater’s heat exchanger might be made of metal or plastic, depending on its efficiency level.
  • A gas water heater is also equipped with a gas line, which connects to the unit around the bottom of the unit.
No Gas Lines
  1. In the case of an electric water heater, there will be no gas line connected to the water heater.
  2. Gas lines are massive, heavy pipes with a lot of large fittings attached to them.
  3. The term ″black pipe″ refers to the fact that it is black and greasy when it is constructed.
  4. The gas line links to the gas valve, which is located at the bottom of the water tank.
  5. On an electric water heater, you will not notice any of these features.

How To Identify a Gas Hot Water Heater

Burner Assembly
  1. The presence of a gas valve and burner assembly at the bottom of the water heater is a telltale indicator that it is a gas water heater.
  2. A strong metal gas pip will be fitted to the gas valve to ensure that it operates properly.
  3. In the bottom of the unit, there will be a burner assembly, which will be covered by a detachable plate.
  4. In order to protect the bottom gas line and thermocouple connector, this plate will protrude from the wall.
  5. After the outer cover plate has been removed, it is generally easy to see a pilot light via a window in most cases.
  • To heat the water, gas water heaters utilize a burner with an open flame to generate heat.
Fume Vent at Top
  1. Natural (or propane) gas hot water heaters heat water by burning the gas that is supplied to them.
  2. When fossil fuels are used, they release hazardous gases into the atmosphere.
  3. As a result, a gas hot water heater will always include some sort of venting system.
  4. The efficiency of the hot water heater determines the sort of vent that should be used.
  5. Higher efficiency units will employ a plastic pipe to vent through an exterior wall, rather than through the ceiling.
  • A lower-efficiency unit will be vented through a brick or metal fireplace.
  • Electric water heaters will not be equipped with any form of venting system or mechanism.
Gas Lines
  1. Of course, it comes to reason that a gas hot water heater would run on natural or propane gas to heat the water it produces.
  2. This sort of gas is a low-pressure fuel that necessitates the use of a massive pipe system to transport it.
  3. The pipe that will be linked to the burner assembly stated above will be required.
  4. When you look at the water heater, you will be able to see this pipe clearly.
  5. It will be joined to the gas valve located at the bottom of the unit and will typically be connected on the left side of the unit when facing the water heating unit.

Shutting Down an Electric Water Heater

  1. When it comes to correctly turning down an electric hot water heater, there are five stages to follow: (1) Turn off the electricity to the water heater.
  2. (2) Turn off the gas to the water heater.
  3. While you are working on the water heater, make sure that no one switches the power back on by putting a breaker tag on it.
  4. (3) Reduce the temperature of the water within the tank.
  5. (4) Turn off the water supply to the hot water tank from the cold.
  • (5) Turn on a hot water faucet somewhere in the home (ideally on the second floor).

Step One – Turning Off a Water Heater Breaker

  1. The majority of water heaters will be equipped with a two-pole circuit breaker.
  2. This breaker should be labeled on your circuit breaker panel.
  3. It will most likely be between 30 and 50 amps in most cases.
  4. Disconnect the electricity at the breaker panel.
  5. Don’t be happy with simply turning off the power.
  • If you have lock out lugs for your breakers, you may use one of them to secure the breaker.
  • It’s also possible to tape it up and label the tape so that no one can switch it back on again later on.
  • You may take further precautions by informing everyone in the home that you are working on the electric.
  • Inform them that they are not permitted to touch the service panel.

One last double-check.When you open the covers, check to see that nothing is hot within them using a voltage tester (a non-contact voltage tester would suffice).When replacing a hot water heater element, it is not worth the risk of being shocked or injured.WARNING!Check to see that the power is turned off!Work on Electrical Devices ONLY AFTER You Have Completed This Checklist!

Step Two – Tag the Breaker

  1. When working in large buildings or on construction projects, safety regulations require that a ‘lock out – tag out’ method be followed whenever something that might cause bodily injury is present.
  2. In order to notify everyone who has access to the panel that a circuit is being worked on, electrical circuits must be closed off and marked with a tag while they are being worked on.
  3. In a house, these stringent rules are not in place to protect the family.
  4. A person who is concerned about their safety, on the other hand, will want to take comparable safeguards.
  5. It is not sufficient to just turn off a breaker; instead, some type of restriction and identification should be placed on the breaker to alert everyone nearby that the circuit is being repaired.
  • OSHA provides rules for this, but every scenario is unique, and it is the duty of the person or contractor who is performing the work to ensure that safety procedures are observed and observed properly.
  • This is not a joke; the current that flows through a water heater has the potential to kill you.
  • Prevent the breaker from being accidentally activated by taking the necessary precautions.
  • Another safety measure is being taken.

Place a piece of tape over the breaker that has been switched off at the panel.Using a magic marker, write the words ‘Do Not Turn On’ on the tape.This will prevent someone from mistakenly re-enabling the power while you are working on the problem.

Step Three – Cooling the Hot Water

  1. When performing numerous tank repairs, it is best practice to allow for cooling of the water before beginning the repair.
  2. When the electricity is turned off, the water will no longer be heated, even if the temperature dips below freezing.
  3. Use one of the sinks’ hot faucets to reduce the temperature of the water.
  4. Do not add any cold water to the faucet; instead, let it run at its maximum temperature.
  5. Allow the water to run until it feels lukewarm to the touch.
  • If the water pouring out of the tank is warm to the touch, it will be safe to operate on the tank in this condition.
  • When you switch on the hot water heater again, it will take the usual amount of time for the water to heat back up again to the desired temperature.
  • So let the tank to sit for about an hour before attempting to use it for anything that requires hot water, such as a shower or doing laundry.

Step Four – Shutting Off the Water

  1. It is not necessary to have a shut off valve on the hot water output side of a correctly fitted hot water tank.
  2. This will prevent the tank from accumulating an excessive amount of internal pressure over time.
  3. When working on your hot water tank, all that is required is the interruption of the cold water supply.
  4. It will be necessary to establish which of the two valves above your water heater is the cold supply line if you have two valves.
  5. When looking at the tank from the front, the valve on the right should be the one to use.
  • Because the additional valve should not be there, this may not be completely foolproof.
  • When you run hot water through the pipes, you can feel the pipes.
  • The temperature of the cold water supply line will be either cool or chilly.
  • After you’ve ran hot water through it, the hot water intake will be warm to the touch.

Turn on the hot water faucet in a sink or shower.You can identify which one is the hot and which one is the cold pipe by feeling the pipes.Mark the cold water valve with a permanent marker so you will know which one to turn off.Wait until the water within the tank has cooled down before turning off the water supply to the tank.

Step Five – Draining a Hot Water Tank

  1. Some tasks involving an electric water heater can be completed without the need to drain the tank.
  2. When the tank is fully charged, it is possible to check and test the elements and thermostats.
  3. Adjusting and changing the thermostats may be accomplished even when the tank is completely filled.
  4. You may also verify the power supply to the machine without having to use any of the battery’s power.
  5. When the tank is completely filled, it is impossible to replace or remove the components for any reason.
  • Before you can start working on the elements, you’ll need to chill the water and drain the tank first.
  • If you want to flush the sediment out of the tank, you’ll need to drain it first.
  • It is critical to clear sediment from electric water heaters on a regular basis.
  • The accumulation of sediment will cause damage to the bottom heating element, resulting in a significant reduction in the volume of hot water available.

This is a significant undertaking in and of itself.For information and directions on how to drain the tank of a hot water heater, see the page titled ″Draining a Hot Water Heater.″

Where To Next?

After you have done your repairs, you will need to restore the functionality of your water heater. Instructions may be found in the page titled ″Starting a Hot Water Heater.″ The procedures are identical to those for turning off a water heater; the only difference is that you must follow them in the proper order.

See also:  What Type Of Water Filter For My Samsung Refrigerator?

How to Turn off Electric Water Heater? Water Heater Shutdown Procedures!

  • If you have a hot water heater and are unsure of how to turn it off, you may rest assured that you are not alone in your confusion. Because we are here to take care of that for you, and we have come up with these procedures after doing extensive research and consulting with experts. What matters is whether your water heater requires the services of a professional or whether you are planning a long trip and your heater must be turned off to accommodate your plans. Whatever you require, following the instructions will ensure that the heating is turned off! So, here we are with instructions on how to reduce the temperature of an electric water heater. Providing that you complete the instructions outlined below, you should be fine: When it comes to correctly turning down an electric hot water heater, there are five stages to follow: 1. Turn off the electrical power source. 2. Use a tag to keep the breaker from harming anyone. 3. Reduce the temperature of the water within the tank. 4. Turn off the water supply to the hot water tank from the cold. Turn off the power supply by doing so: Water heaters are typically constructed with two pole breakers. In order to prevent damage to your broker panel, you should first cut off the power at the circuit breaker. In most cases, the breaker should be situated near the main breaker panel
  • in other cases, it should be located near the heater itself.
  • Identify the Breaker:
  • Circuit breakers should be marked and locked off. Consequently, you must notify everyone who has access to the panel that the circuit is being repaired. Place the tape over the breaker panel that has been switched off and label it ″Do Not Turn On.″ The rationale for this is that it will serve as a safety measure and prevent any type of unintended mishap from occurring.
  • Reduce the temperature of the hot water: In the meanwhile, let the water in the tank to cool before you begin working on it. Because the electricity had been shut off, there would be no heat in the tank itself. Now, open a faucet in one of the sinks to allow the water temperature to drop down
  • It would be okay to begin working on the tank when the water feels warm enough to touch. Allow the tank to sit for about an hour before using it for anything that requires hot water, such as washing clothes or taking a shower. You think you understand what I’m saying
  • Turn off the cold water supply by following these steps: Make certain that the cold water supply is turned off while working on the hot water tank. If your water heater has two valves above it, figure out which one is the cold supply pipe for the water heater. Touching the pipes will tell you if the water is chilly or hot in the event that you need to turn on the hot water faucet. The hot water intake will be located when the hot water has been circulated through it. Turn on the hot water faucet and turn off the cold water valve at the same time. It assists you in determining which one has to be turned off. Allow the water to enter the tank and cool before turning off the water supply till that time comes. Following these procedures to the letter will guarantee that your electric water heater is properly turned off. Make careful to adhere to the safety precautions provided in the instructions to avoid any potential injury.

How to Turn off Gas Hot Water Heater

  • In order to switch off your gas hot water heater, you must first do the following procedures. 1. Set the gas valve control to the pilot mode position. 2.Depress the gas pedal all the way to the floor. 3. Reduce the temperature of the water within the tank. 4. Turn off the water supply to the hot water tank from the cold. 5. Run a hot water faucet to get some hot water. Changing the Gas Valve control to Pilot mode is accomplished as follows: The gas valve for your water heater should be positioned at the bottom of your water heater, right above the burner chamber, and should be easily accessible. When you have three major settings – ″on,″ ″pilot,″ and ″off″ – you should select ″Pilot″ from the drop-down menu. By doing so, you will be able to turn off the gas to the burner. If you have to work on the burner assembly or the gas line, you should avoid doing this.. Please keep in mind that this should only be done if you are draining the tank or need to work on the water supply line.
  • Gas Valve ″OFF″: The final step is to turn the gas valve ″OFF″ as described before. To begin, rotate the ball valve counterclockwise by 90 degrees, until the handle is perpendicular to the kind of valve. As a result, the gas valve will shut off and the gas supply will be disconnected, allowing you to safely operate on the water heater.
  • Cool the Water: Using one of the various fixtures available, run enough water until the water is warm enough to touch. It should not be mixed with cold water. Because the cold water circulating in the tank will help to lower the temperature in the tank. Work on the water heater may be done safely once the water has cooled down.
  • Reduce or turn off the cold water supply:
  • Now, turn off the cold water supply, but only after you have double-checked that the water has been turned off.
  • Open the hot water faucet by pressing the button on the faucet handle.
  • It is necessary to open a hot water faucet in order to avoid an air lock in the water heater. The reason for this is because you cannot drain the water tank until you have an open faucet.

Want to Read About Turning On the Water Heater? 

Drain the tank: The procedure for draining the tank should be included in the owner’s handbook for your hot gas water heater. It goes without saying that you should drain the tank if you won’t be using the water heater for a long period of time.

final word

In order to get your desired result while turning on your gas hot water heater, it is recommended that you follow the instructions above. While working, however, it is important to use caution.

Should I Turn Off An Electric Water Heater If The Water Is Off?

  1. A lot has changed in the world of water heaters over the years, with sleeker, more energy-efficient versions increasingly replacing the bulky tanks of the past.
  2. Electric water heaters are becoming increasingly used in households around the country.
  3. Many individuals are unsure whether or not they should switch off their electric water heater if the water is not running.
  4. Turning off your electric water heater should only be done when the water will be turned off for an extended length of time.
  5. If you want to save money on your water heater, it’s usually best to leave it on and merely lower the temperature setting.
  • However, if the water has been turned off for an extended period of time, it may be essential to turn off the water heater to prevent damage.
  • If you want to switch off the tank, drain the contents and make sure the tank is properly turned down.
  • When it comes to shutting off your electric water heater, you won’t even have to think about it for the most part.
  • It is intended to activate and deactivate as needed, needing little or no participation from the owner at any stage during the process.

There are a few instances in which you might wish to turn the water heater off.a.

Why Should You Turn Off An Electric Water Heater If The Water Is Off?

  1. There are a number of different situations in which it may be necessary to switch off the main water supply.
  2. When this occurs, you may be left wondering if you need to switch off your hot water heater or whether it is safe to leave it on for the time being.
  3. The majority of the time, you can just ignore it.
  4. Nonetheless, when it comes to the water being turned off, there are two instances in particular in which you would want to turn off the electricity to your unit.
  5. The water heater should be turned off if the tank is completely depleted or almost depleted and you do not intend to replenish it for an extended period of time.
  • Running the unit without water might cause harm to the equipment and may cause a buildup of pressure within the tank.
  • The other reason, which is also related to pressure, is when the main water supply’s pressure is reduced or lost entirely.
  • Once again, you want to avoid the tank experiencing excessive pressure or heat building inside of the tank.
  • Not only does this increase the risk of damage to the tank, but it also increases the risk of an explosion.

Is There A Leak?

  1. When there is a leak, the most common reason to turn off your water heater is to prevent it from overheating.
  2. It is quite inconvenient to have a leak in your house since it may cause major disruptions.
  3. Water should be turned off as soon as a leak is discovered, and this should be done immediately until the problem is remedied.
  4. When you have a leak in your hot water heater, it makes things a little more difficult for yourself.
  5. There are a multitude of reasons why leaks might develop within your hot water heater.
  • It might be caused by old age, a valve fault, or another deteriorated component.
  • When you notice a leak coming from your water heater (or anywhere else in the house), immediately switch off the device and shut off the water supply.
  • Keep everything turned off until you’ve figured out what’s causing the problem.
  • Depending on the situation, you may need to call in a professional service specialist to evaluate the situation.

It is not necessary to restart the faucets or water heater until you are satisfied that the problem has been rectified.

Do You Turn Off An Electric Water Heater If The Water Is Off Because Of Vacation?

  1. In order to prepare your house for when you go on vacation or will be away from home for an extended period of time, you will need to put in place a number of routines that will help you be ready for your absence.
  2. Adjusting the air conditioning or heating system, programming automated lighting, or even putting a hold on the mail are all examples of typical tasks.
  3. That being stated, your strategy should be determined by the kind of settings available on your water heater, as well as whether or not you have the ability to control it remotely over Wi-Fi.
  4. Instead, if your water heater has a ″vac″ mode setting (vacation mode), you should use it.
  5. This is a setting that is more commonly seen on modern water heater models.
  • Is there no ″vac″ mode?
  • Reduce the temperature of the water to around 50 degrees.
  • The idea behind this is so you won’t have to worry about turning off the electric water heater when you leave.
  • It may be kept idle simply by lowering the temperature setting on the thermostat.

Using this method, you may conserve electricity while also avoiding the possibility of other problems with your water heater.

How Do You Shut Down An Electric Water Heater?

  1. As you can see from the list above, there are a variety of reasons why you might need to switch off your water heater.
  2. Whatever the reason for turning off your water heater, whether you’re leaving on vacation or dealing with a leak, knowing how to do it is critical.
  3. Do not make the mistake of assuming that turning off the device would solve the problem.
  4. You must carefully shut down the machine in order to avoid future problems..
  5. The following procedures should be followed to securely turn off the electric water heater.

Step 1: Shut Off The Power

  1. Turn off the water heater’s electricity to get the process started.
  2. Water heaters are often equipped with a two-pole circuit breaker.
  3. If you have a circuit breaker, the right identification should be on it, and the amps should be between 30 and 50.
  4. If you want to be completely safe, install lock-out lugs.
  5. When you turn off the breaker at your electrical panel, mark the breaker with a tag.
  • Taking this precaution will ensure that no one mistakenly switches on the water heater while you are away from the house.
  • Furthermore, it will assist you in locating the right circuit breaker when you return home and need to switch the water heater back on again.

Step 2: Cool Down The Hot Water

  1. It is critical to allow the water to cool before doing any repairs or just turning off the water heater during extended periods of absence.
  2. Within 3 seconds, water at 140 degrees Fahrenheit can inflict second-degree burns on the skin’s surface.
  3. The water will no longer heat as a result of the electricity being turned off.
  4. Simply turn on a hot faucet at one of your sinks to allow the water to cool.
  5. Don’t put any cold water in it; instead, let it run on ″full hot.″ Continue to swim until the water is lukewarm, at the very least.
  • This signifies that the water is losing its heat and that it is safe to carry out repairs or continue with the shutdown procedure at this point.

Step 3: Shut Off The Water

  1. The presence of a shutdown valve at the hot water output should indicate that your hot water heater has been placed improperly.
  2. The reason for this is that there is no valve to prevent an excessive amount of internal pressure from building up within the tank.
  3. As a result, you will most likely just have a cold water valve installed.
  4. If you have two valves, you must figure out which one is connected to the cold water supply before proceeding.
  5. The cold water valve should be on the right-hand side of the water heater, not the left.
  • If you can’t see it, you may feel it by touching the pipes.
  • Water should be cold to the touch when it comes from the faucet.
  • The hot water inlet will stay warm after the hot water from the previous procedure has been used up completely.
  • Label the valves so you’ll know which one you need to shut off when the time comes.

When the water has cooled to a safe temperature, you can close the valve to stop the flow of water to the valve.

Step 4: Drain The Tank

  1. Last but not least, you must drain the tank.
  2. The tank does not need to be drained for simple testing and inspection of the components.
  3. Always drain the tank before replacing or shutting down any components.
  4. If you’re going to be away for an extended amount of time, drain the tank first.
  5. It is also necessary to dump the tank on a regular basis in order to wash away sediment buildup.
  • If sediment builds up on the different components, it might cause them to fail sooner rather than later, necessitating service calls.
See also:  How To Remove Water Filter From Whirlpool Refrigerator

In Conclusion

  1. In the event that you want to cut off your water for a lengthy period of time, you should also switch off your electric water heater.
  2. If you’re going on vacation, though, you should first check to see if your heater has a vacation setting.
  3. Alternatively, reduce the temperature to around 50 degrees to prevent the water heater from being used.
  4. In situations when the main water supply will be shut off for an extended period of time, it may be necessary to switch off the water heater as well.
  5. Turn off the water heater if the tank is half-empty or completely empty, or if the water is not producing enough pressure.
  • If there is any indication of a leak, you should immediately shut off the water supply and the water heater.

More Related Guides

  • For my water heater, what size circuit breaker do I require?
  • Is there a leak in your water heater’s expansion tank?
  • When Does My Rinnai Tankless Water Heater Get Cold?

Ryan Womeldorf is an American actor and director. Ryan Womeldorf has been writing professionally for more than a decade. He enjoys writing about building, plumbing, and other home-related issues on his blog. Ryan also enjoys hockey and has been a lifetime supporter of the Buffalo Sabres.

EMERGENCY WATER HEATER SHUTDOWN PROCEDURES

  1. Customers frequently ask us at Horizon Services, ″How do I switch off my water heater?″ This is one of the most frequently asked inquiries we receive.
  2. The ability to accomplish this task is something that every homeowner should have.
  3. In the event that your water heater is overheating, making strange noises, or otherwise acting abnormally, it is EXTREMELY IMPORTANT that you do not allow it to continue to operate; the longer the problem is allowed to persist, the more likely it is that you will experience leakage, flooding, or worse.
  4. When calling a plumbing or heating specialist to come look at the problem, it is always preferable if you can switch off the water heater prior to the expert arriving to inspect your equipment.
  5. Do-it- Anyone who does their own water heater maintenance will want to empty the water from their tank every three months to minimize sediment buildup, enhance performance, and reduce energy use.
  • Turning off your water heater before emptying it is a necessary in order to reduce the risk of scorching or electrocution.
  • No matter whether you have a gas water heater or an electric water heater, these procedures should be followed each time you need to turn off your water heater.
  • Use the figure below to see where each of these services will be performed on your water heater and where you can anticipate them to be performed.

Water Heater Shutdown Instructions:

  1. TURN OFF GAS OR ELECTRICITY:
  • Thermostats that use gas must be turned off by turning the dial on the top of the thermostat from the ON position.
  • Electric: Turn off the water heater’s circuit breaker by pressing the button on the circuit breaker.
  1. DISCONNECT THE WATER SUPPLY. Turn the handle on the water valve in a clockwise direction until it comes to a complete halt. Switch off the main water valve for the entire home
  2. then drain the water heater. If the water doesn’t stop, turn off the water heater. Connect a hose to the drain valve, which is located at the bottom of the tank. The other end of the hose should be routed to a lower location where you may safely discharge the rusty, hot water without causing any damage. Raise the temperature of a hot water faucet in the house in order to allow air to enter the tank
  3. OPEN THE RELIEF VALVE Flip the handle so that it is pointing straight out or up from the table. (USE CAUTION: scalding hot water is present)

Should I Turn Off My Water Heater When It’s Not in Use?

In order to conserve money, many homeowners inquire as to whether they should switch off their water heater between usage. After analyzing the figures, we came up with a professional response. The answer is no, unless you’re planning to leave on a month-long or longer trip, you shouldn’t switch off your water heater. The reason behind this is as follows:

  1. The amount of energy saved will be little.
  2. By continuously turning off and on your water heater, you will just exacerbate the situation.

Instead, if you’re just going to be gone for a short period of time (less than a month), we recommend simply lowering your water heater’s thermostat down or into the ″vacation″ setting. We’ll go through all of our recommendations above (as well as some other energy-saving suggestions) in further detail below…

Two reasons not to turn your water heater off

1. You won’t see significant savings

  • Following certain calculations, we discovered that the average Phoenix homeowner will only save the following amounts: By turning off their gas water heater, they can save around $0.76 per day
  • by turning off their electric water heater, they can save approximately $1.36 per day.
  1. Please keep in mind that we utilized the Water Heater Energy Cost Calculator from Energy.gov to arrive at the figures presented above.
  2. We used the average electric and gas prices in Phoenix as a starting point and assumed a 60-gallon gas water heater with an EF of.67 and a 60-gallon electric water heater with an EF of.92.
  3. Your particular savings will vary based on your hot water consumption, the efficiency of your water heater, and the rates charged by your local utility company.
  4. But unless you’re planning a month-long (or longer) trip, the savings you’ll accrue from turning your water heater on and off will be insufficient to compensate for the inconvenience of dealing with some of the difficulties you may experience.
  5. This takes us to the second point…

2. You’ll just create more problems

  • In the event that you switch your water heater off between uses and then back on again within a short period of time, you will encounter the following difficulties: When you return, there will be no hot water. After returning from your vacation, you’ll be met by a tank of lukewarm water, which will come as a rude surprise when you go into the shower. According to your water heater, you might be waiting anywhere from 20 minutes to over an hour for hot water
  • difficulties turning the unit back on
  • and other issues. Anything that has the potential to go wrong will, as Murphy’s Law predicts. After shutting off their water heater entirely for many days, we’ve had multiple calls from customers who are unable to get their water heater to switch back on. Particularly vulnerable to difficulties are homeowners who live in older homes or apartments. This is due to the fact that when an old unit is turned back on and forced to heat a full tank of cold water, it may experience a greater level of stress than usual. This additional strain may result in the need for repairs.

Instead of turning off your water heater, do this…

  1. If you’re going on vacation, lower the temperature of your water heater or set it to ″vacation″ mode.
  2. It is possible to reduce the amount of power and gas that your model will consume while you are away from home by adjusting the thermostat down or setting it to ″holiday″ (a feature available on certain newer models).
  3. Almost all contemporary water heater types include this vacation feature, which is typically designated as ″VAC″ on the thermostat.
  4. Typically, the ″VAC″ mode will lower the water temperature to 50 degrees Fahrenheit, allowing your water heater to operate at a lower efficiency than it would otherwise (when the water is continually heated at 120-130 degrees Fahrenheit).
  5. However, this setting also maintains the water somewhat warm, which helps to prevent your unit from overworking itself when you switch it back on again.
  • Is this ″VAC″ option not visible to you?
  • Then just reduce the output temperature on your water heater thermostat to anywhere between 50 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • This will provide the same consequences as using the vacation mode on your computer.

Other ways to lower your water heating costs

  • Are you looking for more strategies to cut your power bills? Then take into consideration the following water heater energy-saving recommendations: Insulating your tank might result in annual savings of 7 percent to 16 percent. Your water heater is likely to be warm to the touch, which indicates that you are losing money right now. Due to what is known as ″standby heat loss,″ older water heaters lose a significant amount of their heat via the tank itself (which is why the water feels heated). In order to reduce your standby heat loss, get your tank professionally insulated.
  • Make sure to get your unit cleansed and serviced on a regular basis. A water heater in Arizona should be cleansed at least once a year, according to the manufacturer. Water heater flushing is the process of totally emptying it, cleaning out any sediment buildup, and then refilling it with water. Because we have ″hard″ water in Arizona, sediment building is a common occurrence here (water with a lot of minerals in it). These minerals gradually sink to the bottom of your water heater and act as an insulator between the burners and the water, causing your water heater to work harder and for a longer period of time than it should.
  • Reduce the output temperature to save 4 percent to 22 percent per year on energy costs. By lowering the temperature of your water heater, you may reduce the amount of gas or energy that your device requires to keep the water hot. Take note that temperatures below 120F can raise the danger of Legionnaires Disease
  • thus, do not go below this degree.

Have more water heater questions? Ask an Arizona plumber

We can assist you with your water heater repair, replacement, or general information. Simply call us for expert qualified plumbers that are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Related reading:

  • I have a gas water heater that keeps shutting down
  • how long does a water heater last in Arizona?

Emergency Water Shut Off

  1. Do you have a leaking water pipe?
  2. By shutting off the water, you can prevent or reduce water damage.
  3. There are various locations where you can switch off the water: A leaking water heater is one option, but so is a leaking plumbing fixture, or the main water line to the home is another.
  4. Depending on where your water leak is located, you should follow the steps in this guide accordingly.
  5. We’ve also included an instructional video to lead you through the process for your convenience.

How To Turn The Water Off At The Leaking Water Heater

  1. Shut off the water heater by turning off the gas or electricity supply. The off setting is reached via clockwise rotation of a knob on the top of a gas water heater’s thermostat. The water heater’s thermostat is positioned near the bottom of the appliance.
  2. For electric water heaters, go to your circuit breaker panel and locate the breaker for your water heater
  3. turn it to the off position. For gas water heaters, use the same procedure as above.

Turn off the water supply valve. Turn the lever on the water shutoff valve counterclockwise until the water stops flowing. This valve is normally found on the right side of the cold line, on the top of the water heater, on the hot line.

  1. Drain The Water Heater If Necessary To Avoid Water Damage
  1. Connect a garden hose to the drain faucet, which is situated at the bottom of the water heater, and let it drain.
  2. Extend the hose to a lower area where hot or corrosive water will not cause harm.
  3. Drain the water heater by turning on the drain faucet. As water drains from the home, open a hot water faucet in the house to allow air to circulate into the water heater.

How To Turn The Water Off At The Leaking Plumbing Fixtures

  1. Then, at the leaky plumbing fixture, turn off the water supply by turning the lever on the water supply shut off valve clockwise until it comes to a complete stop. This valve is often found on the flex line or feed pipe that connects to the plumbing fixture in which it is installed. It might be directly behind or directly below the fixture (i.e. toilets, sinks, washing machine). In the case of leaking sinks, turn off the hot and/or cold water pipes as necessary.
  2. Turn off the water supply line if your toilet is leaking or overflowing.
  3. If your washing machine, dishwasher, or refrigerator is leaking, switch off the feed lines first.

Some situations, such as when the supply valve is not easily accessible or when the leak occurs before the shut off valve, will necessitate the shutting off of the main water supply.

How To Turn The Water Off At The Main Water Supply Shut-Off

Several choices are available to you when it comes to cutting off the main water supply. Decide on the choice that best fits your needs and circumstances.

  1. Turn off the main water valve to the home if it is still running. Then, turning the main water valve in a clockwise manner until the water stops flowing, turn it off again. If the main water supply has been turned off, open an outside faucet to allow pressure to be released and excess water to flow out of the system. If the main water supply has been shut off, open an outside faucet to allow pressure to be alleviated and excess water to drain out of the system.
  1. Remove your home’s main water supply from the city, which is normally located underground near the street and may be reached by turning off the water meter box. Access is granted with the use of a street key
  2. alternatively, you may contact your local water department or our helpful staff for assistance.

How To Turn Off The Gas Supply

  1. Is there a gas leak in your home?
  2. In order to assist you in spotting leaks, the gas provider adds a particular chemical to the natural gas that you are using.
  3. As a result, if you smell ″rotten eggs,″ you are most likely experiencing a gas leak.
  4. If you are near a gas-powered fixture, check to see that the pilot light is turned on.
  5. You may check for leaks in the lines if the light is on by spraying them with a mild soap solution to pinp

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.