Emergency Hot Water Heater Guide: How to Shut Your Water Off

December 17, 2023

Hot water is a wonderful convenience. Can you imagine what a cold winter morning would be like without a hot shower? No thanks! But your water heater is a powerful appliance that needs thoughtful care. Heat and pressure buildup make the appliance difficult to repair, so always start by turning it off.

Before you have a hot water heater emergency, learn how to shut the appliance off safely to address any issues. You should always contact a plumber for help if you need hot water heater repairs. 

Read on for everything you need to know about shutting off your water heater.

When Do You Need to Shut Off Your Water Heater?

Typically, homeowners shut off a hot water heater due to an emergency. This step keeps the property and residents safe while a plumber addresses the issue. You should immediately shut your water heater off if you encounter any of the following: 

• Gas odors 
• Unusual noises 
• Leaks

These problems are serious and require immediate attention. 

What should you do if you have no hot water? While this situation isn’t necessarily urgent or dangerous, it’s a good idea to shut off the broken water heater if it does not produce hot water. Doing so allows you to prevent potential problems from worsening. 

Additionally, you should shut your water heater off proactively in some situations. If you will be away from home for an extended period, shutting off the heater prevents leaks and offers peace of mind. You may also want to shut it off as a precaution when other plumbing work is happening in the home. 

Before You Shut Down Your Water Heater

Safety is of utmost importance when working with any home appliance. Hot water can be particularly dangerous, posing threats of burns and water damage. Before working on your water heater, take a few precautions. 

First, Clear Any Debris Around the Water Heater. 

Never store anything flammable or prone to water damage near the unit. If someone has put storage items near the heater, this is a good opportunity to find them a new home.

Second, Check the Temperature Settings and Turn Them Down If Needed. 

Luckily, turning off a water heater is relatively safe, and you do not need specific safety equipment. If you are concerned about any problems, you can always call Blue Dot or your local plumber to get a qualified plumber to help you with the process. 

How to Safely Shut Your Water Heater Off 

How do you turn off a water heater? The process varies slightly depending on the kind of heater you have. Factors like the fuel source (gas vs. electric) and tankless vs. traditional will also play a role.

Follow the step-by-step instructions for your type of heater. 

Traditional Gas Heater

1. Turn off the gas supply. Turning off a gas water heater starts with shutting off the gas supply. To do this, twist the dial on the top of the thermostat from on to off. You may also want to turn off the main house gas supply as an extra measure.

2. Turn off the water supply. Turn the handle on the water heater shutoff valve clockwise until it stops to restrict the water supply. If it does not work or you want to take an extra precaution, turn off the main water valve for the entire house.

3. Drain any remaining water. You don’t want standing water to stay in the tank—this can cause bacteria to grow or lead to leaks. Attach a hose to the drain valve at the bottom of the tank and run the other end of the hose to a lower position to drain the water. 

4. Open the relief valve. Flip the relief valve handle so that it is sticking straight up or out. This step ensures that no pressure remains in the tank. Be careful as you do this step, as hot water beads or steam may escape.

Traditional Electric Heater

1. Turn off the electricity. From your circuit breaker, switch the breaker for the heater to cut power to the appliance. If you’re unsure which switch to flip, you can turn off the electricity for the whole house.

2. Turn off the water supply. The heater should have a water supply valve with a handle you can turn to stop water from entering the unit. Turn this clockwise until the water stops. Turn water off to the whole house as an alternative or extra measure.

3. Drain water from the tank. Once the heater is off, remove any remaining water from the tank. You can do this with a hose by attaching one end to the drain valve and running the other to a lower position safe for draining water.

4. Open the pressure relief valve. The flip on top of the valve should be easy to switch open. Put it in an upright position to relieve any built-up pressure from the tank. There may still be hot steam or pressure built up in the unit, so take this step with caution.

Tankless Heater Models

1. Turn off the electricity. Use your circuit breaker to turn off the power to your water heater. If you're unsure which panel provides electricity to your heater, you can also turn off all panels. 

2. Turn off gas supply, if applicable. If your unit also uses gas, you’ll have to turn off that supply as well. Turn the gas supply valve on the heater to the off position to cut off the supply to the unit. As an extra precaution, you can shut off gas to the whole house. 

3. Shut off the water supply. Once the unit no longer has power, turn off the water supply. The water supply valve is typically at the top of the unit; switch it off. 

What do you do when your hot water heater fails? No matter the type of heater you have, turn it off and contact Blue Dot for a full inspection.

Other Heater Types 

Most types of water heaters follow similar steps to shut off the power and water supply. Specialized units may require further steps. If you have a solar heater or a system that uses a heat pump, consult your owner’s manual or a local plumber for exact instructions on how to shut water off to your water heater.

Water Heater Troubleshooting

What causes issues with water heaters, and what can you do to troubleshoot the problems? First, watch out for signs of a failing water heater. Signs of leaking from the water heater, knocking or popping noises, and cold or rusty water indicate a problem. 

Then, inspect the unit. Damaged or worn components, such as heating elements, valves, motors, and igniters, are all likely causes of water heater failure. If you can’t find a source, try scheduling service with your local plumber for help. 

Restarting a Water Heater 

After you’ve shut off the water heater and resolved the issue, you’ll need to restart it in order to get hot water again. To restart your water heater, follow these steps:

1. Turn the power back on. Whether the unit uses electricity or gas, make sure to turn on the main source of power. Then, turn any dials back to on to fully restore the power connection. 

2. Restart the burner. With a gas heater, you’ll also have to restart the burner to turn the gas back into a heat source. Be careful with this step. If you smell gas from the heater, turn it back off and contact your gas company. If the gas remains contained in the unit, restart the burner by pushing down the pilot and ignitor buttons.

3. Restart or reconnect the water. Turn the water supply back on and reopen the valve so water can enter the unit again. 

4. Adjust the temperature if necessary. Once the heater is back on, adjust the temperature if needed. It will take some time for the water to come up to temperature.

Replacing a Water Heater

Sometimes, a water heater is beyond repair and requires a full replacement. If you’ve tried repairs that have not lasted very long or problems continue to occur, replacement may be the best option.

You should also consider water heater replacement if the unit:  

• Is past its warranty date
• Has become too expensive to repair 
• Was not properly maintained by a previous owner

While you can shut off or reset your heater on your own, you should not attempt any repairs or replacement without consulting a professional. These repairs can be risky and require expert skills and tools. A DIY repair may also violate the unit’s warranty, so always check the details of your warranty coverage before starting a project that involves your water heater.

Water Heater Help from Blue Dot

As a homeowner, you may need to execute an emergency hot water heater shutoff to protect your home. Learn the steps before you’re in an urgent situation so that you can care for your heater and property. 

Are you experiencing an emergency now? Call our experts at (410) 204-2662 for emergency plumbing services.

If your water heater is having problems, we are happy to help. We have the tools and experience to repair any plumbing problems, plus we’re always running promotions and specials to give our customers the best prices on our work.