Water Heaters Only
Get Tips about Common Water Heater Maintenance Tasks
Q: How do I turn off my water heater?
A: If you have an electric tank, shut the power off at the breaker. If you have a gas water heater, turn off the gas supply. To stop the supply of water to your house, locate the water shut-off valve, typically just above the heater. Turn off the cold water supply that feeds the heater, as well.
Q: How do I drain my water heater?
A: It’s a good idea to drain your water heater once annually to help remove any built-up sediment. To do so, first be sure to follow the steps in the above question about turning off your water heater. Then, turn on the hot water in one of your home’s sinks or tubs to prevent a vacuum from forming in the lines. After that, open the drain valve, making sure that the end of the hose is draining somewhere that won’t be harmed by hot water, such as outdoors.
Once no more water is flowing out of the hose, turn the water supply back on so that you can flush out any remaining sediment. When the water runs clear, close the drain valve. Then, go turn off the hot water you’ve had running in your house. After the tank has filled up, turn the power back on (either at the breaker or on the thermostat). Then, test the pressure valve by following the steps below.
