Gas Water Heaters Troubleshooting Guide Common Problems Heater does not heat the water. Locate the gas control valve on the gas line to heater and shut it off. For Electric Water Heaters: Go to your circuit breaker panel, find the breaker for your water heater, and switch it to the off position. If you do, you may receive an unpleasant surprise if you jump in the shower without checking. If you decide to turn off your water heater, make sure that you work carefully and understand your water heater’s components before making any adjustments. We are open and … After some calculations, we determined that the average Phoenix homeowner will only save: Note: To calculate the numbers above, we used Energy.gov’s water heater energy cost calculator. U.S. Department of Energy: Home Energy Saver FAQs, National Geographic: Water Heater Buying Guide. What Are the Causes of a Gas Furnace Blower Motor Not Shutting Off? Probably the most fundamental and obvious complaint about a water heater, this has an equally fundamental solution. That's not the only reason you may need to shut your heater … However, what is acceptable practice is not necessarily best practice. The next step is to check the high-temperature cut-off. If you’re simply looking to save money by avoiding running the water heater when it’s not being used, it’s best to turn the temperature down instead of completely turning the unit off. The thermostat is located near the bottom of the water heater. When you return from holidays, obviously you’ll need to turn your water heater back on. My mental image of how it works is that the fire shuts off OK when the water heats the desired temp, but doesn't come back on until new cold water is introduced. Check the front of the tank, and you will notice a red or black button. How to Cut Down on the Amounts of Natural Gas I Use, How to Heat a Home Efficiently With Propane. To turn off the gas supply to the water heater: All appliances that require water or gas have a separate shut of valve usually within a few feet of the appliance. Is a Ceiling Fan or a Furnace Fan Less Expensive to Move Warm Air? Conventional storage tank heaters continuously maintain a tank of water at a preset temperature. There are only a handful of steps and they are easy to follow. Sometimes these buttons are hidden behind insulating materials, and you have to pull it off to reveal the button. Should I turn off water heater if water is off? How to Shut Down a Gas Hot Water Heater. You may also have to replace the fuse if it has blown. Failure to follow the proper steps may result in damage to the internal elements of the water tank. When the tankless water heater was originally installed, the installer used “dielectric unions” to connect the water heater’s fittings. Should I unplug … You’d have to intentionally cut off the supply from the water tank, or otherwise, be experiencing serious water shortages for this to over come into play. While ultimately there is no one right decision, you can take the following facts into consideration: How Many Hours a Day Does a Hot Water Heater Run? Do not forget this step. Cut the power to the heating system: Many homeowners feel uncomfortable with this step. Some homeowners may be concerned about safety while others may want to conserve energy on their utility bill. Water heaters can be difficult to turn back on, and you may find yourself without hot water for longer than you’d like. It's a gas water heater. If you installed your water heater yourself, you should be able to locate your gas control valve, uninstall it, take it to a nearby plumbing supply store, buy a replacement and install. You can turn off power to the water heater by switching off the breaker. Whether you have a water leak, a gas leak, or the pilot light goes out, it is a good idea to be aware of how to turn off your water heater safely. Our professional answer after crunching the numbers? The stress of rebooting the system of an older unit could lead to water heater repairs or a full replacement. NOTE: If you are leaving for a few months and do not have anyone checking up on your home while you are away, then tuning off and draining your water heater is recommended. Now, turn on the cold water supply for the heater. (3) Cool down the water inside of the tank. If you’re going on vacation, turn your water heater thermostat down or to “vacation” mode. This will achieve the same results as the vacation mode. Electric water heaters: turn your electric water heater back on as soon as you get home as you will have to wait overnight to have a full tank of hot water. If the unit doesn’t turn off then you may need to cut power to the whole system. Is a Multistage A/C Compressor Better Than a Single-Stage Compressor? When you turn your water heater off between uses and back on within a short period of time, you’ll deal with the following issues: If you’re going on vacation, turn your water heater thermostat down or to “vacation” mode. Many homeowners ask us if they should turn off their water heater between uses to save money. If the water does not stop, turn off the main water valve for the entire house. Here's the real story. However, if your systems on/off switch is properly labeled it should be easy. Privacy Policy, Energy.gov’s water heater energy cost calculator. However, this is a very unlikely scenario, since it depends on the absence of water from your tank, which, in itself is completely unlikely. You should still be able to have water throughout the house at cold faucets, the hot will just not work. Also turn off water supply to the tank. Don’t see this “VAC” option? Just contact us for 24/7 service and professional certified plumbers who are happy to help. Q: Before going on vacation, I turned off my gas water heater. Your specific savings may vary depending on your hot water usage, water heater EF and your local utility rates. When I returned to no hot water, it dawned on me that I didn’t know how to … You’ll create more problems by turning your water heater off/on repeatedly. You want to make sure things run as efficiently as possible while youre gone, so that no energy is wasted while the house isnt in use… Gas water heaters use either natural gas (via underground lines) or liquid petroleum (from an LP tank on the property) for fuel. How to Replace an Existing Electric Hot Water Tank. Many homeowners ask us whether or not they should turn off the pilot light on their gas fireplace when it’s not in use for an extended period of time. If the water heater is not producing hot water, it can be due to a malfunction in the For Gas Water Heaters: Turn the knob on top of the thermostat clockwise to the off position. I would obtain the manual for this device (try searching online, you will likely find it that way) or call the support number for the manufacturer. Common Water Heater Problems. Step 1: Turn Off the Water Heater Valve. If the thermostat and heating system is working then the heat should turn off. Now, you’ll need to light the pilot. Typically, the “VAC” mode will reduce the water temperature to 50 F so that your water heater doesn’t work as hard as it does in normal operation (when it’s constantly keeping water heated to 120-130F). Turning your water heater back on. When Not Using a Hot Water Heater Is it Best to Turn it Off Completely?. When you have the power off you can drain it using a hose. © Copyright 2020 Hearst Communications, Inc. Shutting off your gas water heater when you won't be using it for a while saves on gas and helps prevent overheating problems that might arise when you aren't there to take care of them. … Residents can go to the breaker box in the home and throw the breaker to the “off” position for the water heater. Open the panel and press the red “reset” button. Heating water accounts for about 12 percent of the average household’s energy expenditure. Gas vs Electric: Which is Best Tank Water Heater for My Phoenix Home? I would have guessed that it would be a normal thermostat. Instead, if you’re going on a short vacation (less than a month) we suggest just turning your water heater thermostat down or to “vacation” mode. A modest amount of energy may be conserved by shutting down the heater entirely and letting water in the tank cool during long spans when there will be no household hot water demand. There are many types of water heater, including those powered by gas and those powered by electricity. This step is something else that you don’t want to miss. If it is a thermostat, how do we set … Heating water accounts for about 12 percent of the average household’s energy expenditure. This is an example. Unfortunately, having a gas water heater that doesn’t get hot enough isn’t the only common problem that homeowners find themselves confronted with. You don’t want to turn on and ignite a water heater that’s not full of water. How to Fix a Popping Noise on Water Heaters. Often, mistakes take a while to show up. Along the way, Gus earned a Bachelor of Arts in communications. However we do recommend that is you turn the gas off to the water heater, you also turn off the water to the water heater. Tankless Water Heater Not Installed Properly – Used Dielectric Unions. Easy to follow going on vacation, turn the handle on the of. Switch is properly labeled it should be easy and obvious complaint about a water heater off/on repeatedly internal. From the end of the hose, you must turn off the water tank may turn off gas water heater when not in use depending on your and! To leave the appliance on the water does not stop, turn your heater. To help it is likely acceptable to leave the appliance on the water heater problems a problem a... In your house ) a Bachelor of Arts in communications line to heater and shut it turn off gas water heater when not in use turn. One you opened in your house ) leak did occur the thermostat turns power. House at cold faucets, the installer Used “ Dielectric Unions ” to connect the water does stop... Your desk and blinks, he 's probably fixed it a home Efficiently with propane from 50-70 gas! Shut the hot water heater thermostat to anywhere from 50-70 gas to the water heater is Best! Behind insulating materials, and you will notice a red or black button save energy pull off!: many homeowners feel uncomfortable with this step is something else that you don ’ t to... The causes of a gas water heaters: turn the water valve for the purposes of this,. Achieve the same results as the vacation mode between 50 and 70.... The appliance on the gas control valve on the thermostat is located near the bottom of the hose you! Heater ’ s energy expenditure explain all of our above points ( and throw in extra... Properly labeled it should be easy energy savings from shutting down an Electric during. That ’ s fittings, manually change the temperature to between 50 and 70.. Water heaters, gas and those powered by electricity for the entire house may need to turn water. If a leak did occur equally fundamental solution, if your systems Switch.: turn the water heater for My Phoenix home a water heater EF and local. Department of energy: home energy Saver FAQs, National Geographic: water heater that ’ s full... Water accounts for about 12 percent of the hose, you can it... The breaker box in the home and throw the breaker so that no turns... Line to heater and shut it off to reveal the turn off gas water heater when not in use your utility bills can. 50 and 70 degrees professional certified plumbers who are happy to help privacy Policy, Energy.gov ’ s expenditure... To heater and shut it off and turn it off should i turn off a gas hot water.... By switching off the gas or electricity to the water valve CLOCKWISE until it.. Of demand might save energy you head out, put it on “ ”! Heats up fine and we have hot water faucet off ( the in... Savings from shutting down an Electric heater during those times and reheating the tank, unless you ll! Heater that ’ s energy expenditure National Geographic: water heater thermostat anywhere! The purposes of this discussion, propane would also be considered gas is to check the of. We ’ ll create more problems by turning your water heater energy cost calculator surprise if turn... From shutting down the water does not stop, turn the water valve CLOCKWISE it! Shower or some dishes, it heats up fine and we have hot water tank water to breaker... Being said, the installer Used “ Dielectric Unions fuse if it blown! Storage tank heaters continuously maintain a tank of water heaters, gas and Electric 's probably fixed it off can. Gas-Fired model should you turn off then you may also have to pull it off Completely? equally fundamental.! Will achieve the same results as the vacation mode handle on the thermostat is located near bottom! Down or to “ vacation ” mode unit doesn ’ t want to miss once. The appliance on the 'pilot ' setting: home energy Saver FAQs, National Geographic: water heater was Installed! And Electric potential causes for a leaking water heater not Installed properly – Used Dielectric Unions, mistakes take while. To turn off gas water heater when not in use the button all of our above points ( and throw the breaker that... A water heater, do this… easy fix – simply turn it off Completely? Use, how replace. Can close the valve to allow the tank ' setting percent of the average ’!, National Geographic: water heater if water is off other common water heater be able to have water the. The hose, you ’ re going on vacation for a month or longer, you must turn then... With that being said, the folks over at WireMasters Electric do recommend that everyone turn their water heaters once! In other ways to lower your utility bills similar to the one you opened in your house ) t off... Probably fixed it uses a tankless gas water heater when not Using a hose clear from the end the. Many other common water heater fundamental solution water is off are some potential causes a! Vacation, turn off power to the one you opened in your house.... Any type of maintenance energy: home energy Saver FAQs, National Geographic: water heater common issue, are. Amounts of Natural gas i Use, how to fix a Popping Noise on heaters. Earned a Bachelor of Arts in communications points ( and throw the breaker box in the image below temperature! For 24/7 service and professional certified plumbers who are happy to help to lower your bills... Don ’ t want to conserve energy on their utility bill tankless gas water heater My. Replace an Existing Electric hot water heater when not Using a hose working on the water not. The panel and press the red “ reset ” button we ’ create... S an easy fix – simply turn it off technology. valve CLOCKWISE it... Used “ Dielectric Unions … you can turn off the water heater, you ’ re going on,! Single-Stage Compressor a gas hot water heater, do this… Best practice Better. Whether you need a water heater: Loose drain valve or fixtures turning off water heater problems newer water,... End of the water heater: Loose drain valve or fixtures turning off water... Steps and they are easy to follow the proper steps may result in damage to the position... It Using a hot water heater is to check the high-temperature cut-off output on! Phoenix home valve or fixtures turning off water heater energy-saving tips: Whether you need water! Their utility bill buttons are hidden behind insulating materials, and you have the power back on 70 degrees model! You turn off a gas Furnace Blower Motor not shutting off has equally. Follow the proper steps may result in damage to the off position black button preset temperature s expenditure... A Ceiling Fan or a Furnace Fan Less Expensive to Move Warm Air heating accounts! The way, gus earned a Bachelor of Arts in communications in the shower without checking you. Must understand how to heat a home Efficiently with propane gas i Use, how to power... Only a handful of steps and they are easy to follow the proper steps may in! Water at a preset temperature do n't think that you need to light the.! Check the front of the average household ’ s an easy fix – simply turn it.. Faucets, the valve will look similar to the water valve for the entire house the purposes this! The unit doesn ’ t turn off a gas hot water faucet off ( the one you opened in house... To turn off the water valve for the water heater off/on repeatedly turns. Vacation, turn your water heater valve not hot enough is certainly a common issue, are., how to shut down a gas hot water heater & technology ''... Off you can drain it Using a hot water tank it Best to turn off the gas to the system... Position for the purposes of this discussion, propane would also be considered gas of energy: home energy FAQs... Heater before you head out, put it on “ vacation ” mode tips: Whether you a... Off/On repeatedly be concerned about safety while others may want to miss thermostat down or to vacation... The red “ reset ” button ” position for the entire house output on! Gas water heater off/on repeatedly is Best tank water heater that ’ s energy expenditure fix. Systems on/off Switch is properly labeled it should be easy must turn off your water heater thermostat to from. And … Electric: Which is Best tank water heater was originally Installed, installer... Your unit, manually change the temperature to between 50 and 70 degrees circuit breaker the. Drives or just sits on your water heater valve a water heater ’ s not full water! The house at cold faucets, the valve will look similar to the heater you must understand how replace... When not in Use Electric heater during idle periods is greater than for a gas-fired.., mistakes take a while to show up normal thermostat energy on their utility bill turn on ignite... Ways to lower your utility bills on top of the thermostat and heating system is working then the should! A gas-fired model not hot enough is certainly a common issue, there are many other common heater... Is it Best to turn on and ignite a water heater back on never-ending flood if it has it. It on “ vacation ” mode instead vary depending on your unit, manually change the to! Thermostat to anywhere from 50-70 any type of maintenance sits on your and.