Have you ever turned your water heater off? You may not have had any reason to, and that’s a good thing. However, if a disaster strikes or an old system gives out, it may become necessary to turn off your water heater. It’s important to know how to safely turn the appliance off to mitigate further damage.
At FLAME Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical, we want you to have the best property knowledge and access to professional help the minute you need it. With that said, let’s dive into how to properly turn off a water heater and the reasons why you should or shouldn’t.
When to Turn Your Water Heater Off
There could be many other reasons you would need to turn your water heater off, but if you’re in doubt, it’s a good idea to consult with a professional. You really shouldn’t turn your water heater off unless there are serious issues with it, such as:
- Leaks or irregular draining
- Gas smells
- Hissing sounds
If your property’s main water supply line is off for a long period, then you’d also want to switch off your water heater. If you’re expecting to install, repair, or replace your water heater, then either you or the technician can turn it off before performing the service needed. There are very few cases in which your water heater needs to be turned off. If you’re unsure whether to switch it off based on your situation, call a FLAME plumber for assistance.
When Not to Turn Your Water Heater Off
If there aren’t any issues with your water heater, it’s best to keep it running. Turning it off when it’s not in use won’t save you much money on your energy bills—in fact, it can cause more harm than good. Switching the appliance on and off puts extra strain on it, causing damages and malfunctions from the additional wear and tear.
Furthermore, when you turn off your water heater in between uses, it can take about an hour to heat enough water for an enjoyable shower—which is unfortunate if you’re in a rush and don’t have the time.
Is It Safe to Turn Off the Water to the Water Heater?
It’s safe to turn off the water to the water heater as long as you follow the correct procedure. Remember that when switching the appliance off, you’ll need to turn its water supply off as well. Shutting off the water to the water heater ensures that no new water fills the tank, which can prevent sediment and mineral buildup.
Turning Off a Traditional Water Heater
If you believe you need to switch the water heater off, the first step is to always call a professional to assess the issue at hand since they are experienced in the proper safety measures. If they give the go-ahead to turn the water heater off, you can do so.
With that being said, it’s not difficult to turn off a water heater, and if you notice serious issues like a gas smell or excessive leaking, then we recommend turning off the appliance as soon as possible.
If you’re confident in your ability, you can follow the steps below.
1. Turn Off the Gas or Electricity
In the case of a gas water heater, locate the thermostat or temperature dial on top of the heater and switch it off.
To turn off an electric water heater, go to your home’s circuit breaker box and turn off the electricity line to your water heater.
2. Turn the Water Off
Turn off your main water line by locating your water valve near the top of your water heater and turning it as far as you can clockwise, or “Off.”
3. Drain Your Water Heater
At the bottom of your water heater’s tank, you’ll find its drain valve. Connect a hose to the drain valve and move the end of the hose to where you can safely drain the hot water.
4. Open the Relief Valve
Open one of the hot water faucets in your home to let air into the tank so that the hot water can begin to drain. Flip the handle of the valve so that it’s sticking straight up.
Turning Off Tankless Water Heaters
Similar to traditional water heaters, tankless water heaters follow the same steps, except they don’t require draining because they’re tankless.
1. Turn Off the Gas or Electricity
For a gas water heater, go to your home’s breaker box and switch off the electricity line to the control panel of your unit. With a gas heater, you will also need to switch off the gas supply valve and your home’s main gas supply for safety measures.
For an electric water heater, go to your home’s circuit breaker box and turn off the electricity line to your water heater.
2. Turn Off the Water Supply Valve
Turn off your primary water supply by locating the water valve near the top of your water heater and turning it as far as you can clockwise, or “Off.”
What Is VAC Mode?
If you prefer not to turn off your water heater but want to take extended vacations or know a house is going to be vacant for a long time, use the “VAC mode.” VAC mode stands for “vacation mode,” and turning the water heater to this setting allows it to work less while you’re away, but you won’t experience overload when you return. A water heater usually keeps water temperatures at around 120 degrees Fahrenheit but lowers them to around 50 degrees Fahrenheit in VAC mode. If your water heater doesn’t have VAC mode, you can just set the temperature level at 50% and get the same results.
How to Determine Whether Your Water Heater Is Off
Test if your water heater is off by going to a faucet in your home and running your hand under the water set to hot. If there is only cold water running, then the appliance is off. If you notice warm or hot water running after a couple of minutes, it’s on. In addition to this test, you can listen closely to your water heater and see if it sounds like it’s on—if it’s completely silent, it’s most likely off.
Water Heater Maintenance Tips
Whether you periodically switch your water heater on and off or not, it helps to give it some extra care to maximize your investment.
Regularly Drain Your Water Heater
Professionals recommend having your water heater drained at least twice a year. Draining the appliance prevents sediment buildup, improves performance, and increases its lifespan. If you’re confident in your plumbing abilities and want to drain your water heater yourself, you MUST turn it off first to avoid burning or electrocuting yourself.
If you’re unsure about draining and turning off your water heater, rest assured there are local professionals who can help. Call FLAME Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical for any water heater maintenance or repair services.
Keep an Eye on the Anode
The anode protects your water heater from corrosion and rust, decontaminating the water so it doesn’t damage the inside of the appliance. Unscrew the anode at the top, and if it’s chalky and filled with hard sediment, it’s best to replace it.
Check the Safety Valve
To help your water heater operate smoothly and avoid too much pressure inside, get the assistance of a professional to check the safety valve. Doing so helps the appliance maintain consistent temperatures and perform as it should.
Get Annual Maintenance
Proper cleaning and checking your water heater annually is vital, as it can optimize the appliance’s performance and enhance its longevity. It’s advisable to get expert assistance to maintain the water heater as a professional has the skills and experience to check the appliance thoroughly and safely.
Causes of Water Heater Leaks
It rarely happens, but if you ever find a leak in your water heater, it’s best to turn it off to minimize the damage. Here are some potential causes for a leaking water heater:
- Loose drain valve
- Damaged tank
- Too much pressure
- Improper drainage
- Old unit
Call FLAME Today for Water Heater Services
If your water heater is making strange noises, overheating, smelling like gas, or doing anything out of the ordinary, then follow our steps to turn it off and call a professional to assess and diagnose the problem. The longer you leave a problem unattended, the more likely it gets worse. Don’t be left with cold water or pay for drastic repairs down the road—get your water heater regularly maintained and address problems as soon as you notice them.
Call a professional plumber from FLAME Heating and Cooling at (586) 271-8813.
Last Updated on April 28, 2025 at 12:30PM EST
