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Emergency Water Heater Shutoff

Last Updated on Saturday, 08 May 2010 07:44 Tuesday, 04 May 2010 17:00

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Articles - Plumbing Fixtures and Appliances

Emergency Shutoff Procedure

If you experience a leaking water heater, here are some steps to take to quickly stop the problem.

  1. For gas water heaters (it will have a ventilation pipe running from the top of the tank to the outdoors) turn the gas off.  For electric water heaters (has a power cable at top and no vent pipe) turn the power off at the fuse or breaker box.
  2. Turn off the water supply by turning the water shut off valve either on top of the water heater or at the main cold water line for the house. If it has a round handle you need to turn this clockwise all the way until it stops. If it has a lever handle, you need to turn it a quarter turn to where the handle is not parallel with the pipe.
  3. Drain the water heater by attaching a garden hose to the bottom of the tank. Place the other end in a floor drain or bathtub. Open the drain valve along with turning on a hot water faucet in the house so air can enter the tank. Be careful as scalding hot water will pour out of the hose.
  4. When the tank is completely drained, make arrangement to have it replaced.

For other water heater maintenance tips, please read our other articles on water heaters and plumbing tips.

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