How To Turn Off a Gas Water Heater

Shut Off Valve
Shut Off Valve

Step 1:  Shut Off Water

 

Most water heaters have an emergency shut off valve on the incoming water line. 

 

 

 

There are two different types of valves.

 

Ball Valves:

 

photos of ball valves

  1. Turn lever 1/4 turn clockwise
  2. Lever in line with valve is open
  3. Lever out of line with valve is closed

 

Gate Valves:

photos of gate valves

  1. Turn handle clockwise until it stops
  2. If handle does not stop then the valve is broken and the water will need to be shut off at the meter

 

 Step 2: Turn Gas Off

Turning off the gas to the water heater is important.  If the pilot light was extinquished during the rupture the heater will continue to emit gas which could cause an explosion!!

  1. Start at the Water Heater Gas Control Valve
  2. Follow the gas flex line back to the shut off valve
  3. Turn handle 1/4 turn clockwise  to close

photos

Closed Gas Valve
Closed Gas Valve

 

Open Gas Valve

Open Gas Valve

 

Step 3: Relieve the Pressure

After the tank begins draining , the pressure needs to be taken of of the system in order to prevent the tank from vapor-locking.

 

Relieve Pressure Do's

Relieve Pressure Do's

 

Relieve Pressure Don'ts

Relieve Pressure Don'ts

  •  If a single handle faucet  is used it can cause the cold water to cross into the hot water line and refill the water heater
  • If water continues to run out of the faucet then the shut off valve is not working and the water will need to be turned off at the meter

 

Step 4:  Drain Tank

Turning the water off only stops the water from entering the tank.  However, the tank will still be filled with residual water.  In order to stop the tank from leaking the residual water, it will need to be drained.

  1. Hook  up water hose to water heater drain valve at the bottom of the tank and run the hose outside
  2. Use the screw driver and turn the valve clockwise to allow the tank to begin draining
    Turn Screwdriver Clockwise to Begin Draining

    Turn Screwdriver Clockwise to Begin Draining

Hook the Water Hose to the Bottom of the Tank

Hook the Water Hose to the Bottom of the Tank

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Important Note:

Be careful NOT to over turn the plastic valves.  This could cause the valve to twist out of the water heater

Plastic Valve

Plastic ValvePlastic Valve Twisted Out of Water Heater

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