How Do I Turn Off My Hot Water System?

Locating the Water Shutoff Valve

The most important step to learn how turn off water in your hot water system is locating the main water shutoff valve. This is the valve that governs the flow throughout your house, allowing you to turn off your water, which includes the hot water system.

The shutoff valve, typically situated near the water meter where the main water line enters your home, lets you control the water supply with relative ease. Typical locations to turn off main water include:

• Basement or crawlspace - Inspect the ceiling or walls for any access panels
• Garage - May be located on rear wall or with water heater
• Laundry/utility room - Commonly found on wall behind washing machine
• Kitchen - Under the sink or behind removable panel

The main water shutoff valve typically features a substantial turning knob or lever, to be rotated as necessary for operation. To operate it:

1. Confirm you have pinpointed the precise water valve that you need to engage when turning off the main water line.
2. Turn or move the control clockwise to shut off your water until it won’t turn further. This action will switch off your water heater, halting the flow completely.
3. To resume flow, twist the valve gently counter-clockwise and proceed to shut off any additional valves if required, reversing the water stoppage action.

When the main valve is engaged, a heater can effectively switch off hot taps and showers, which then go dormant. Hence, meticulous planning is vital, particularly when they need to shut off the main water to the property.

You can guard against a burst pipe by utilising some water heaters’ dedicated isolation valve atop the unit, efficiently controlling the flow. whilst not as comprehensive, engaging this valve can alternatively isolate the hot water heater.

Shutting Off a Gas Hot Water System

Turning off a gas hot water system safely is straightforward, as long as you prioritise safety throughout the process. Ensure you know how to shut off your gas and water supply safely by following these key steps:

1. Locate the gas supply line and shutoff valve, which is imperative when you have to turn off gas for safety.
2. Twist this gas valve clockwise to the off position, cutting off the power supply decisively.
3. Next, flick the switch to the off position at the circuit breaker panel, cutting off any power when ceasing the supply.
4. After ensuring all safety measures, proceed to turn off the main water supply shutoff valve by twisting it clockwise.
5. Open the pressure relief valve to alleviate hot water pressure, which can accumulate near the top of the water tank.
6. For complete isolation before maintenance or repair on any plumbing fixture, you can also close the water heater’s individual shutoff valves—this is how you turn off hot water to the unit.

With both gas water heater and off main water heater when fully isolated, servicing or working on your gas hot water systems is now secure. Employ utmost caution, check for a potential gas leak, and air out the space should a gas odour linger.

You simply reverse the procedures to switch off my hot water and then turn hot elements back on, taking care to reignite the pilot light if necessary.

Shutting Off an Electric Hot Water System

To power down an electric hot water system safely, begin by switching off the system’s electrical circuit. Follow these steps:

1. Locate the electrical circuit breaker box and identify the circuit breaker you need to turn off water heater power. It should be clearly marked.
2. Toggle the circuit breaker off, then turn your attention to the water heater switches. This action cuts the electrical power, effectively turning your water heater and hot tap off.
3. Engage the water supply valve to stop water inflow to your heater.
4. Activate the pressure relief valve, found at the tank’s crest, to emit any lingering pressure from the cold water tap.
5. If possible, attach a garden hose to the drain valve at the base of the tank and route it to a drain or outside area.
6. Open the drain valve to empty your tank’s contents through the hose.

Once fully drained, the electric element, alike to its gas electric counterparts, can be accessed or replaced safely without water or power. Reverse the order above when restoring an electric system, taking care to refill slowly and understanding how turn off water flow to check for leaks.

Draining and Maintaining the Hot Water System

Regularly draining and servicing your hot water system is essential to maintain optimal performance and prevent issues. Follow these key steps:

1. Switch the power off to the water heater at the main electrical panel when you need switch off heat supply.
2. Ensure the water supply is turned off at the main shutoff valve.
3. Connect a garden hose to the drain valve to lead the water from your heater through the water pipe system towards a proper drainage point.
4. Turn the relief valve on top of the hot water tank to ensure it is fully closed.
5. Open the drain valve slowly until water starts flowing out the hose. Allow the tank to fully drain.
6. Close drain valve and detach hose once empty. Carefully inspect interior components of the tank if possible.
7. Consider flushing out sediment, replacing anodes, or other maintenance while accessible.

Take appropriate safety precautions when working with electrical or gas systems. Refill slowly once maintenance is complete, check for leaks, and restart as typical.

Draining hot water systems extends their lifespan by removing corrosive elements which could cause damage over time. We advise doing this annually, and should it be necessary to shut off gas, to open up the system and ensure no buildup occurs.

What to Do Before Going on Vacation

Before embarking on an extended vacation, ensure you turn off and shut down your hot water system to mitigate the risk of leaks or damage.

1. Turn off power to the water heater at the main electrical panel or gas supply line.
2. Shut off the water supply at the main valve and then open the pressure relief valve.
3. Attach a garden hose to the drain outlet and route it to a suitable area to assist in turning off water and letting it drain off properly from your tank.
4. Open the drain valve to empty the tank completely, catching water in the hose.
5. Close all valves once fully drained and disconnect hose.
6. Consider inspecting or replacing components like the anode rod to turn your hot water heater back to peak condition.
7. When you return, carefully refill the system and inspect for any leaks before restoring power.

Draining your solar hot water system before vacation mitigates the risk of leaks or corrosion that can cause considerable damage in your absence. It conserves energy in your home. Just be sure to take safety precautions when turning it back on.

When to Call a Professional Plumber

There are a few top water system issues that indicate you should call a professional plumber for assistance:

• You are unable to locate or access the main water shutoff valve
• Should the shutoff valves be corroded or fail, causing a continuous flow, You might need to learn how turn off your water supply to address a potential water leak
• A continuous leak persists even after attempting to drain the tank
• Any issues arise turning the gas or power back on after shutdown
• You smell gas or the pilot light fails to ignite
• You need assistance with steps such as turning off your water, especially if unsure of the process

Our expert plumbers at Greater Western Sydney Plumbing are ready to tackle any plumbing complications you might encounter. Don’t hesitate to call us at 1300 349 338 or email with any questions or issues.

Our emergency plumbing services ensure there’s no need to worry, standing by around the clock to safely shut down hot water heaters and prevent potential issues during periods of disuse.

Relighting a Gas Hot Water System After Shutoff

After turning off an electric water heater, consult the manual before attempting to relight the pilot light. If you’re unsure or uncomfortable with the process, don’t hesitate to contact the professionals at Greater Western Sydney Plumbing at 1300 349 338.

Typically, relighting requires:

1. Ensuring gas valve is on and any bleed valves open
2. Repeatedly pressing igniter button while holding flame to pilot light
3. Continue holding the flame on the pilot, then increase the heat setting for 30-60 seconds once it is lit
4. Close the bleed valve after confirming the pilot light stays lit
5. Testing to make sure pilot remains on by turning temp dial up

Should the pilot light extinguish, wait a few minutes before trying to reignite it. Should a gas smell persist despite the pilot light being on, don’t hesitate to call us immediately.