How To Turn On & Off Your Hot Water System?

Homes and businesses need hot water systems to be comfortable and easy to use every day. But there are times when you need to turn off your hot water system for repairs, maintenance, or an emergency. Different kinds of hot water systems need to be turned off.

Accordingly, water heating is a significant part of household energy use, making up 15% to 30% of energy consumption. It’s also the top source of greenhouse gas emissions in an average Australian home, reaching up to 25%. 

Safety Precautions when Turning Off & On A Hot Water System

Safety should be your top priority when turning your hot water systems on or off. You want to alert everyone at the house when you plan to turn it off and on to prevent tap water scalding and other incidents.

More than 55% of injuries from hot water systems are caused by accidental turning on and altering temperatures at the tap fixture. 92% of these incidents have occurred in the bathroom.

Turning off and on your hot water system is easy, but there are some important safety steps you should take first:

• Wear safety gear like gloves and safety glasses all the time.
• Before you perform any repair on the hot water system, turn off the gas or electricity that supplies it.
• Wait for the machine to cool down before you do any work on it.
• If you’re unsure about any step, don’t hesitate to ask a professional plumber for help.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Handling Leaks and Emergencies

• If you notice water flowing unexpectedly or the system does not shut off properly, check for secondary shut-off valves and ensure all connections are secure.
• If the pilot light flame on a gas system goes out, you may need to relight it according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Ensure the flame is alight by pressing the pilot button and holding it down until the thermocouple device indicates a steady stream of gas.

When to Call a Professional Plumber:

If you encounter complex issues such as a malfunctioning relief valve or problems with the tempering valve, it’s best to contact a professional plumber. Professional assistance at Link Plumbing ensures that repairs and maintenance are done correctly and safely.

How To Turn off A Gas Hot Water Systems

Turning off your gas hot water heater safely involves a few careful steps:

Locate the Gas Valve

The gas valve is typically situated near the bottom of the hot water heater. It is often a red or yellow handle or a dial.

Turn Off the Gas Supply

Ensure the gas control valve handle on the gas supply line is in the “off” position perpendicular to the pipe.

Switch Off the Water Supply

Find the cold water supply valve at the top of the water heater. Turn the valve clockwise until fully closed to stop water from entering the system.

Deactivate the Pilot Light

If your gas water heater has a pilot light, locate the pilot control knob. Turn the knob to the “off” position to shut off the pilot light.

Drain the Water Heater (Optional)

Drain the water heater if you need to perform maintenance or repairs. Attach a hose to the drain valve at the bottom of the tank and run the other end to a suitable drainage location. Open the drain valve and a hot water tap in your home to allow air into the system and facilitate drainage.

Check for Gas Leaks

Smell around the water heater area to ensure that there are no gas leaks. If you smell gas, leave the area immediately and contact your gas supplier or a professional.

How To Turn Off Electric Hot Water System?

Turning off your electric water heater can be straightforward if you follow these steps:

Locate the Circuit Breaker

Find your home’s electrical panel, usually located in a utility room, basement, garage, or outside. Identify the breaker labelled for the water heater. This might be labelled as “Water Heater,” “Hot Water,” or similar.

Turn Off the Circuit Breaker

Flip the button for the hot water heater to Off. This cuts off the electricity source or the energy source to the heater, ensuring safety during maintenance or repairs.

Turn Off the Water Supply

Locate the fresh cold water source valve connected to your water heater. This is usually at the top of the heater, near the main burner. Turn the valve clockwise until it is fully closed to stop water from entering the system.

Check for Residual Hot Water

Open a hot water tap in your house to drain any remaining water from the pipes and the hot water tank, ensuring the heater is fully off and the water is fully heated. This step is essential to release residual pressure and heat before maintenance or repairs.

Wait for the System to Cool

Allow some time for the water inside the tank to cool down and dissipate heat before performing any maintenance or inspections. This precaution ensures safety and minimises the risk of burns when handling the hot water heater.

Call us to install a new hot water system

Turning off your hot water system is straightforward when you follow the correct steps and safety precautions. Whether you have an electric or solar water heater, this guide provides the necessary instructions to handle the task efficiently. 

For expert plumbing services available 24/7, call Link Plumbing at 0412 056 027. Our experienced plumbers are ready to help anytime, day or night!