is it ok to turn off gas water heater
Luckily, it’s a simple operation most people should be able to perform. Copyright © 2021 George Brazil Plumbing & Electrical. It might look a little something like this: Should turning off the water heater be included on your list? Turning your water heater back on. For those of you who are simply looking for a quick, no-cost energy efficiency and cost-saving solution, just turn your water heater down. Also, close the water supply to the heater on the main shut off valve. IMPORTANT: If you turn off the water to the heater you MUST turn off the power. It would be a good idea to turn off the water heater during the time that the water supply is turned off. That said, unless you’re looking at a month-long (or longer) vacation, the accumulated savings won’t be worth dealing with some of the problems you may encounter by turning your water heater on/off. In this case, it is of utmost importance that you turn off the gas water heater as you take remedial action. If your water heater runs on gas, you must turn off the gas valve. 1a. The gas valve in your hot water heater is the device that distributes gas to the water heater unit. 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). According to the reports, you may actually create more problems when you repeatedly turn off and on the water heater. Water heaters do leak when they get old. • Turning Off the Heater In Between Uses. A: Next time you go on vacation, you don’t need to turn off the water heater. Whole house Point of use A gas water heater also has a gas line that attaches to the unit near the bottom. Let the tank cool. The gas valve will have a heavy metal gas … The most obvious issue is that you won’t have any hot water. Here's an article I wrote on the subject. In most cases, you can turn off the furnace by switching off the electrical power supply. With that being said, the folks over at WireMasters Electric do recommend that everyone turn their water heaters off once in a while. for some water heaters, it may take between 20 minutes to 1 hour before you can enjoy your shower. The gas valve will have a heavy metal gas … If you have a gas water heater, simply close off the gas valve attached to the unit. Some of the gas heaters come with the ‘vacation mode’ on the thermostat that you can take advantage of if you’ve been away for less than, say, a month. The steps for starting up a gas hot water heater are listed below, with explanations to follow: (1) Close any open faucets or vavles. Turn off the water heater. Knowing how to shut off the gas from both places can really come in handy. There you have it. The times you should turn it off, is when you will be away from home for an extended period. You get to save some money. … Residents can go to the breaker box in the home and throw the breaker to the “off” position for the water heater. If you are away for a short time, turning off the heater can result in the following: We have looked at whether or not it is OK to turn off a gas water heater. Else, if you have a full water tank, and you need to turn off the water for an issue unrelated to your water heater, then it really doesn’t matter if you turn the water heater on or off. Finally. It is also important to turn it off when you need to carry out any major repairs. Have been leaving the water heater (gas with power vent) alone. Our professional answer after crunching the numbers? If you turn the gas valve to 'OFF', you don't completely shut off the gas. That does sound like a good alternative to me, but I have some concerns. Rinnai EcoSmart, Indoor Outdoor When you are around the house every other day, there is no need to turn off the heater unless it’s for the above mentioned two reasons. By turning the heat way up, but then subsequently tempering it with cold water, this will turn scalding water back into hot water, and the net result is that you'll be able to pull less water from the water heater to get the same result. This comes about when, for instance, your water tank is empty and you’re leaving for an extended period of time. I turn it to "vacation" (too much a PITA to re-light the pilot - not a pizo electric ignitor) when we leave for more than a couple days and turn off the water main. You might be of the opinion that it is a good idea to turn off the water heater in between uses. Our virtual experts can diagnose your issue (for free!) If you carry out maintenance work on the water heater, including removal of sediments, it would make sense for you to turn off the heater during the cleanup. It should turn a quarter turn and valve is closed it will be perpendicular to the pipe it is connected to. Expert Advice. The gas can be turned off from the outside gas meter, which shuts off all gas to the house or at the water heater itself, which just turns off the gas supply to the water heater. 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. 2. Turning On a Gas Hot Water Heater. 3. It can help you save money and energy in the long run when it’s for a brief enough period to not cause damage to your plumbing. it should drain out. For electric water heaters, turn off the power to the machine in your breaker box. How Long Does a Propane Tank Last On a Patio Heater? When I go on vacation in the winter I always turn of the main water valve. it should drain out. A telltale sign of a gas water heater is the gas valve and burner assembly at the bottom of the water heater. Gas vs Electric: Which is Best Tank Water Heater for My Phoenix Home? Whether it’s a new home or a new water heater, there shouldn’t be too much stress to turn it on. When you return from holidays, obviously you’ll need to turn your water heater back on. I have done this for 25 years in three different houses, two with gas heaters and on an oil zone. You may also notice that it is overheating or making strange noises. By turning the thermostat down or to “vacation” (an option on some newer models), you can lower the amount of electricity/gas that your model will consume while you’re gone. You should turn off the power at the breaker panel even if you have shut down the electric water heater. You’ll create more problems by turning your water heater off/on repeatedly. If, however, the valve is broken, you must … Winterize Your Home Turn off the heat source to the furnace and water heater. For example, here it says: Shut off the water at the main shutoff valve. Your water heater is leaking and you need to shut it down fast! The water heater is safe to work on if the gas valve is shut off. With the information in this article, you should be able to turn almost any water heater on without any complications. 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. Turn off the water going into the hot water heater. Rheem Noritz Takagi We have looked at whether or not it is OK to turn off a gas water heater. Otherwise, it will continue to be replaced as it drains. This is because: The amount saved when turning off/on the water heater is insignificant. If electric water heater just to he on the safe side, disconnect it from the wall (AC). The gas can be turned off from the outside gas meter, which shuts off all gas to the house or at the water heater itself, which just turns off the gas supply to the water heater. To reduce the risk of burns from hot tap water, the temperature setting on the water heater can be turned down. Our virtual experts can diagnose your issue (for free!) Step 2: Turn off or turn down the water heater thermostat. With that being said, the folks over at WireMasters Electric do recommend that everyone turn their water heaters off once in a while. Privacy Policy, Energy.gov’s water heater energy cost calculator. Residents can go to the breaker box in the home and throw the breaker to the “off” position for the water heater. How To Identify a Gas Hot Water Heater Burner Assembly. Since the water inside the heater’s tank is still hot or warm, there is a buildup pressure that has to be reduced. In such a case, the first step in troubleshooting the nature of the problem is to turn off the gas feeding the hot water heater. We’ll explain all of our above points (and throw in some extra energy-saving tips) below…. For an average week-long vacation, turning off your water heater will not provide any significant energy savings. make sure to turn off gas and electric Source(s): 22yrs.HVAC service tech. If you don't see a valve near the heater, follow the gas line until you find one. With the information in this article, you should be able to turn almost any water heater on without any complications. The first thing about how to turn off water heater electric is to locate the two-pole breaker. You actually get to save less than $1 a day when you turn off your gas heater in between uses. The first one is the outside meter, which shuts off all gas to the house. After you turn the water supply back on the only issue you will have with the water heater is that some air could have fed back into the tank. The savings you get will vary, depending on how you use your water and the type of gas heater you have. If you find that your water heater has developed a leak, you should turn off the water via the valve on the heater to minimize leakage. Many homeowners ask us if they should turn off their water heater between uses to save money. After all, what is the point of having hot water, if there is no one around to use it? If your home uses a tankless gas water heater, you must understand how to turn off a Gas water heater. How Long Does a Water Heater Last in Arizona? It will only make sense for you to turn it off if you will be away for a long time. Then consider the following water heater energy-saving tips: Whether you need a water heater repair, replacement or tips, we can help. You should also close the gas supply valve before continuing. When a hot water pipe is leaking, or if you need to repair or replace a water heater, there are shut-off valves located near your water heater. Using 100-degree water uses the same amount of energy as mixing equal parts of 150-degree and 50-degree water. Some water heaters have a “vacation” mode. 3. Research indicates that you will lose up to 10% of energy from the heat that escapes from the tank. To turn off the gas supply to the water heater: It is about 30 or 50 amps and usually marked. Now you have learned how to turn on gas water heater pilot light on both old and new models. If I have my gas pool heater on during the day and don't turn it off, will the pool heater operate after the pool pump turns off at 6pm or does water need to be pumping through the gas heater to activate the gas heater? Let's Get It Fixed! 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. There are two locations where the gas can be turned off. Power vented water heater If you have a power vented water heater, just set it to “vacation” mode. make sure to turn off gas … It could take up to an hour for any hot water to be available for those post-travel showers, and this is only if you’re able to turn your water heater back on. Any savings you may have had will go to the local handyman as he works at getting your heater back in working condition. 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. Posted By: SoundGuy on 02/23/16 06:06pm Your water heater certainly won't "wear out" just because you leave it on all the time, whether gas or electric or both but the biggest downside to running it on electric is the load could under some circumstances pull a breaker, in the trailer itself, at the campsite power post, or even the campground distribution box. When you return, simply restore the connections and relight the pilot light if you have a gas water heater. Turn off the water vavle that feeds water to your refrigerator. But there is a more important and more urgent reason you may need to do this: If you smell gas in the vicinity of your water heater—or anywhere in the house, for that matter—then you should turn off the gas to the water heater immediately. 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. (3) If the gas was completely off, re-lite the pilot light. According to some arguments, the savings may not be significant enough to warrant turning off the water heater in between uses. 2. No, unless you're on vacation for a month or more, you don't need to turn off the water heater. No, unless you’re going on vacation for a month or longer, you shouldn’t turn off your water heater. IMPORTANT: If you turn off the water to the heater you MUST turn off the power. For some, it is an energy-saving measure that results in less spending. A telltale sign of a gas water heater is the gas valve and burner assembly at the bottom of the water heater. You shouldn't have any trouble locating it because it's required to be in an accessible location. Turning Off Water Heater In 6 Easy Steps. Your specific savings may vary depending on your hot water usage, water heater EF and your local utility rates. How to Size an Infrared Patio Heater for an Outdoor Patio? Turning your water heater back on. Shut off the water supply and gas valve or circuit breaker. Then just lower the output temperature on your water heater thermostat to anywhere from 50-70. Luckily, it’s a simple operation most people should be able to perform. Top. You may have some difficulties turning on the water heater. A natural gas water heater will generally take a little over an hour to heat the water in the tank to the programmed temperature. What Size Electric Tankless Water Heater Do I Need For a Shower, The inconvenience of having to wait for the water to warm up when you need to use it. Now you have learned how to turn on gas water heater pilot light on both old and new models. To find a water heaters’ gas shut off valve look for a single handle valve that would usually be located at the bottom of … Turning off the water heater doesn’t really have an important role as many people would expect. If you can’t shut off the main water supply because you have an automatic sprinkler system or someone watering the plants while you’re gone, shut off the valves to the most common sources of water damage such as dishwashers, icemakers and washing machines, in case a hose cracks or lets go. 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. All Rights Reserved. This is not optional because you can burn up your hot water heater if you don’t shut it off. We will look at both sides in more detail below. I also turn off the water valve into the water heater, and drain the pipes in the house at the lowest faucet. You may place unnecessary strain on the heater, especially if it is the older model. STEP 2: Turn off the water. There is a safety device on the burner assembly called a thermocouple that shuts the gas off to the pilot if the thermocouple cools down. BV013943 10:30AM | 05/22/17 I usually turn off the water main. That's why you don't see any significant energy savings. 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. Whether it’s a new home or a new water heater, there shouldn’t be too much stress to turn it on. Check the front of the tank, and you will notice a red or black button. This toilet is on the 1st floor of a 2 story home, with the water heater in the basement. Some people recommend that if you will be away from the house for an extended period, you should turn off the gas heater. Interested in other ways to lower your utility bills? Have been leaving the water heater (gas with power vent) alone. To turn off the gas supply to the water heater: Today’s gas water heaters have air inlet screens at the bottom of the water heater that can get clogged with dust, dirt, soot, pet hair and lint. For Shower Under sink, Commercial Cold Climate Unless you’ll be vacating your home for a month or longer, turning off your water heater is unnecessary. **However, if you would like to keep the water heater on, turn down the temp. Shut off the cold water supply to the water heater to limit damage in the event of a leak from the tank. Many people struggle with the decision on whether to turn off the gas water heater or not? What Is the Best Small Tankless Hot Water Heater? If the air inlet screen is clogged, it doesn’t let in enough air to keep the gas burners going, and the water heater will shut off. Click to see full answer Thereof, should you turn off gas water heater when on vacation? Is it ok to turn off gas water heater? Tankless water heaters can be powered by gas or electricity but even gas-powered tankless water heaters rely on an electric control panel to operate the system. The answer may actually be that you should not do this. If the water heater is electric or oil, turn off the power at the switch. Turn this valve in the clockwise position to turn the gas off. Step 1: Turn Off the Water Heater Valve. If you smell gas near the water heater, it could mean you have a leak. Just contact us for 24/7 service and professional certified plumbers who are happy to help. To prevent any damage to the water heater from water freezing, do we need to drain the water heater in any way other than opening a hot-water faucet upstairs? There are different arguments on whether or not to turn off the gas heater. Turn off the GAS & POWER to the heater and drain it with water hose on bottom & open the over flow valve. We plugged in Phoenix’s average electric/gas rates and assumed a 60-gallon gas water heater with an EF of .67/60-gallon electric water heater with an EF of .92. Turning off the water heater is crucial before beginning any type of maintenance. Should I leave my water heater on all the time? **And if you are worried about flooding - One option to prevent possible flooding is to add water alerts or water sensors to your home alarm system or buy the water/leak alerts seperately. If you believe you have a gas leak at the water heater, you can turn off the gas at the dedicated gas shut off valve on the gas line leading to the water heater. If the … If you have a gas water heater, turn the knob to the ‘pilot’ position. The gas piping has a ball valve next to it. A cold water inlet valve (often identified by a blue handle) feeds cold water from the main supply into the water heater. and resolve simple problems. It can help you save money and energy in the long run when it’s for a brief enough period to not cause damage to your plumbing. A home loses energy more slowly once the temperature inside drops below normal levels. Is it OK to turn off water heater? Sounds like gusts of air are blowing down the water heater vent and extinguishing the pilot flame. Here’s why: You won’t see significant energy savings; You’ll create more problems by turning your water heater off/on repeatedly Turning off your water heater may be necessary in the case of a plumbing emergency, like in the case that your cold water line loses pressure and fails to fill the water tank, or in the case that your water tank empties for any other reason. No, unless you’re going on vacation for a month or longer, you shouldn’t turn off your water heater. Most newer water heater models have this vacation option, usually labeled as “VAC” on the thermostat. RV Camper, Arguments For and Against Turning off the Gas Water Heater. A gas water heater also has a gas line that attaches to the unit near the bottom. This will achieve the same results as the vacation mode. I assume you wanted to save energy by turning the unit off, but … Just Turn Down the Water Heater . Continuing to run the gas water heater under such conditions could make the problem worse. If you need assistance on finding the breaker panel or the dial to a gas unit, please do not hesitate to contact us . Make sure to turn off your hot water heater circuit breaker by using your main circuit breaker panel or a panel near the water heater depending on how your water heater is setup. It would be a good idea to turn off the water heater during the time that the water supply is turned off. In that case, you will need to turn off your gas. Before chlorination takes places, it is imperative to turn off both electrical and gas supply to the water heater, using the main breaker and gas valve. A water heater has two shut-off valves. The times you should turn it off, is when you will be away from home for an extended period. Most water heaters usually divided into two, separating the cold and hot water. Then open a faucet on the lowest Denniswiseman Pool Industry Leader Posts: 1876 But if the temperature is set too low, bacteria may begin to … In the case that you notice any problems with the water heater, you will need to turn it off to correct the problem. This gas lights the pilot light and the gas burners which of course eventually heat the water in the tank. When to Turn Off Your Water Heater. How to Shut Off Water Supply Valves. Turn off the power to the hot water heater. Don’t see this “VAC” option? You can turn the knob to off, but it's pointless since no gas will escape anyways. wondered if I should just unplug the water heater … A local plumber said that once the pressure is restored to a home’s electric water heater, residents should turn the hot water on at any faucet and check that all the air is out of the lines. No need to turn off your water heater while on vacation Q: Before going on vacation, I turned off my gas water heater. If, for example, you use $30 on gas and lose 10% of it, you are essentially throwing $3 down the drain when you hear your water unnecessarily. There are two locations where the gas can be turned off. A local plumber said that once the pressure is restored to a home’s electric water heater, residents should turn the hot water on at any faucet and check that all the air is out of the lines. When You Should Turn the Heater Off The first scenario is the most obvious one, and it’s not merely advice to help you keep safe. 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. The goal is to avoid having the heater turn on once all the water is drained out, especially for natural gas heaters, because heating it without water can damage the tank. The first one is the outside meter, which shuts off all gas … For example, if you are planning to replace a water heater, you will need to turn off the gas. Reasons for needing to turn it off will vary from household to household. In fact, you’re likely only to see a savings of a few cents a day depending on the make and model of your unit. If you believe that you continue to have a gas leak problem, you can call Fast for service at (866) 264-9642. Whenever you're going out away for an extended period of time, it's always a good idea to turn off your gas water heater. Knowing how to shut off the gas from both places can really come in handy. Follow these simple ways to do it right. BV013943 10:30AM | 05/22/17 I usually turn off the water main. Your water heater is leaking and you need to shut it down fast! Let's Get It Fixed! Water heaters do leak when they get old. Problems you may encounter with repeated turning on and off of the heater. Turning your water heater off while on vacation could mean you'll come home to problems. Turning Off Water Heater In 6 Easy Steps. If you choose this option, be mindful of the time of year you’re traveling. We have a natural gas water heater with standing pilot light. For ball valves, turn the lever clockwise 90 degrees. After you turn the water supply back on the only issue you will have with the water heater is that some air could have fed back into the tank. If the gas and electric should be shut off under the above circumstances, what if the water is just being shut off for a short time (a few hours)? 1 turn off the gas valve for the water heater. In that case, you will need to turn off your gas.
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