How Do I Shut Off My Water Heater?

No matter what water heater you buy, someday it will get old and start leaking if it isn’t replaced first. It’s very important to know how to shut the unit off in case of a leak. If you are looking at the front of the water heater, you will see two pipes at the top (most likely copper or plastic pipe).

On the pipe to the right (the cold water side), you will find a shut off valve. This may be either a gate valve (a round turning valve) or a ball valve (a handle valve). IMPORTANT: Gate valves are sometimes a bit tricky and often aren’t reliable. If you have one of these valves, slowly turn the valve clockwise until it closes. This may require several revelations. Be sure not to turn the valve too tight or with too much force.

To ensure that the hot water is shut off, go to any faucet in the house and turn on the hot water – the water should subside completely. This may take a couple of minutes. If the water doesn’t subside, leave the hot water on in the faucet, return to the water heater and listen carefully for a hissing sound coming from the valve. If you hear one, the valve has not been shut all the way – try opening and closing it several times until it closes tightly.