Reasons You May Need to Turn Off Your Hot Water System
Several scenarios may necessitate turning off your hot water system:
- Maintenance or Repairs - Knowing how to disable your water heater ensures you can safely conduct repairs or parts replacements without injury.
- Leak Emergencies - Early leak detection and knowing how to cut off water supply to your heater are critical to preventing extensive water damage.
- Extended Absences - Shutting off your water at the meter while on holiday can save energy and shield your home from leak-induced damage.
- Unit Replacement - You will need to turn off the main water supply before a new one can be installed.
Hot water systems may leak from main supply issues like corrosion or faulty components, necessitating the mains to be turned off. Swiftly pinpointing leak sources in water heaters is essential to avert flooding and damage. Rapidly deactivating the main shutoff valve when problems surface can significantly diminish water damage and costly repairs.
Additionally, solar hot water heating can account for a sizeable portion of energy use in Australian households. Turning off the system during prolonged absences can result in considerable energy cost savings.
Locating the Components of Your Hot Water System
To find your heater’s key components, identify whether you have a gas, electric, or dual water system. Gas heaters feature a gas control turn valve and a pilot light, while electric heaters are operated by a power switch or circuit breaker.
Both gas and electric systems have shutoff valves for the cold water supply on the pipe leading to the tank. Turning off the water supply at this point curtails water flow allowing safe drainage of the hot water cylinder if required.
Additionally, a pressure and temperature relief valve positioned near the top of the water heater can relieve vacuum pressure inside the tank.
A thermostat ensures optimal heating temperatures and helps prevent a water leak. Take care not to accidentally change thermostat settings during maintenance or repairs.
Step-by-Step Guide to Turning Off an Electric Hot Water System
- Find the power switch or circuit breaker for your hot water unit to cut off the power, typically situated near the unit. Use the main electrical switchboard to find the correct circuit if there’s no dedicated switchboard.
- Switch the water switch or circuit breaker to the off position. Look and listen for signs that the system power is off before turning off water to the unit.
- Switch off the valve on the cold water inlet on the supply line to the tank, usually found near the bottom of the hot water unit.
- Open a hot water tap in your home and let it run until the water turns cold, ensuring the tank is emptied before starting any maintenance.
- Connect a hose to the drain valve at the bottom of the tank, leading to a safe drainage spot. Ensure water flows smoothly before fully turning off the valve to drain any remaining water.
- Once maintenance on your water heater is complete, turn the cold water inlet valve back to the open position.
- Turn power switch or circuit breaker back on. Listen for the water heating unit to begin its process to heat water, ensuring you get your usual functionality.
- Close hot tap inside house once you get your hot water returns. The system is now ready for normal use.
Step-by-Step Guide to Turning Off a Gas Hot Water System
- Locate the valve where you can shut off your gas hot water for your system, typically near the base of the unit or mounted on the supply pipeline. Verify it is the gas shut off by tracing the pipe back to the hot water system.
- Twist the gas control valve’s knob clockwise to the off position, stopping the gas supply to the hot water system.
- Check the pilot light window and confirm the pilot light has gone out, indicating gas supply is off.
- Turn off cold water inlet valve on the pipe supplying the hot water tank.
- Open the nearest hot water tap and let the water flow until it stops and turns cold, which will depressurise and drain the tank.
- Connect a garden hose with an attached fitting to the drain valve at the base of the tank.
- Place the other end of the hose in a safe drainage area. Open the drain valve to empty any remaining water from the tank.
- After completing any work, test for gas leaks by applying soapy water to the joints. Address any leaks before turning the system back on.
- Once leaks have been ruled out, turn the gas control valve counter-clockwise to restart the gas supply. Re-ignite the pilot light following the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Turn cold inlet valve back on and close hot tap once hot water returns. System can now resume normal operation.
Safety Precautions When Turning Off Your Hot Water System
When turning off your water heaters, it’s crucial you follow key safety precautions to avoid potential accidents and injuries:
- Wear protective gear, including gloves, closed shoes, safety goggles, and a mask, to reduce risk during repairs.
- Ensure adequate ventilation - This is critical when you need to also shut off gas to your heater, as a gas leak from the water heater can be hazardous if inhaled.
- Inspect all switches including the water valve and power supply, pre- and post-shutdown - Verify that gas valves, power switches and water valves are correctly positioned to avoid situations that could cause on or off.
- Ease the water tank’s pressure gently - Gradually opening taps and relief valves prevents scalding and is the safe approach when shutting off the system.
- Check for leaks - Test joints and seals thoroughly and repair any instances where leak coming from your system might exist before restoring system power.
- If you suspect a leak or are unsure about any aspect of the repairs, 'do I need a professional?'— yes. Shut off your property’s water and seek professional help, as complex repairs can be unsafe without proper training.
Exercising caution protects your safety and minimises the chance of malfunctions that could cause damage to your hot water system when you eventually switch it back on.
What to Do if You Can’t Get the Hot Water Back On
If you’re unable to get the water heater on your property working post-shutdown, consider these essential troubleshooting methods:
- Verify that your gas valves or power switches are back in the on position - It’s easy to forget if your water heater off setting was left engaged.
- Press reset buttons on high-limit or pressure controls if fitted - These can sometimes trip during shutdown.
- Inspect pilot light assembly and relight pilot if extinguished - faulty thermocouples can cause interruptions in pilot light operation.
- Make sure cold inlet valve is open and allowing water flow - Accidentally leaving valves closed hinders system relighting.
- Let system run for 15 minutes before checking - Slow reheating after downtime is not unusual.
- Inspect fuses/breakers feeding system and replace/reset any if blown/tripped.
- Check thermostats or controllers - Turning off power can reset them to default off modes.
If there no hot water even after attempting these steps, or you have confirmed gas/power supply issues, contact a licenced plumber for timely diagnosis and repair.
For professional assistance getting your hot water running contact Bella Vista Plumbing on 1300 349 338. Our qualified, your local technicians can troubleshoot the issue and suggest the best solution.
When to Call a Professional Plumber
Calling a professional plumber for assistance with your hot water heater is advisable in the following situations:
- You’ve found a leak or other problem that you can’t fix on your own
- Your system is over 10 years old and showing signs of wear such as rumbling noises or lengthy reheating times
- The pilot light repeatedly goes out and you cannot relight it
- Water pressure or temperature regulation is erratic
- You smell gas coming from the hot water system
- The hot water runs out very quickly with normal use
- You are at all uncertain about how to properly turn off or reactivate your hot water system
Trying to fix complex issues without the requisite knowledge may exacerbate damage and pose risks associated with gas, electricity, and water.
For dependable local service for hot water systems in Sydney’s Bella Vista area, call Bella Vista Plumbing at 1300 349 338. With extensive plumbing experience, our team is ready to handle troubleshooting, perform necessary repairs, and provide clear advice for safely maintaining your water heater.
