Should I Turn Off My Gas Water Heater If The Water Is Off?

Sometimes it’s important to leave your gas water heater on when the water is off. However, the answer is that it depends on your situation. 

Read on to find out what you need to know!

Should I turn off my gas water heater if the water is off?

It’s possible to leave your gas water heater on if the water is off – but not recommended.

If you’re turning off the water for a short time, like for a repair, leave the gas water heater on and turn down the thermostat for vacation or light. You may also put your gas control on pilot mode.

The pilot light will keep burning, and you will be able to easily turn the gas water heater back on when you need to.

However, if you’re going on a long vacation for several weeks or months you should turn off the gas water heater completely.

What happens when you turn off the water to a hot water heater?

When a water heater gets turned off, cold water will stop flowing into your plumbing system from outside.

A tank-type water heater or hybrid water heater stops refilling with more water.

Should I turn off a tankless water heater if the water is off?

Yes, a tankless water heater should get turned off if the water is off. If you don’t turn the water heater off when the water supply is shut off, especially if it’s off for an extended period, you could return home to find a huge mess.

Your tankless water heater may leak if the water is off for a long time. This leaking can potentially cause flooding and water damage to your house, important documents, furniture, and appliances.

Not only that but a tankless water heater can overheat, requiring costly repairs in addition to dealing with water damage.

How do you turn off a gas hot water heater?

1. First, you’ll need to find your water tank and your water heater. Typically they’re located in a crawl space, basement, outside your house, a utility room, or between a well-house and city water meter.
2. Next, find the temperature dial on the tank. The dial lives on the front bottom portion of the gas hot water heater. Turn off the valve to ensure the water supply is shut off.
3. Locate the lever or the knob to shut off the gas supply.
4. Finally, locate the release valve and turn it off so air can enter the tank.

Will a hot water heater burn up without water?

Yes, if a water heater gets turned on without water in many cases it can overheat and burn. A buildup of dangerous pressure can result if your relief valve fails.

Turning on the water heater without water is incredibly dangerous. It’s necessary to turn off the water heater or put it on pilot mode to avoid serious risks to your well-being and property.

Should you turn off a gas water heater when going on vacation?

Yes, you should turn off a gas water heater when going on vacation. Vacations typically last at least several days.

If the gas water heater is still on, damage can occur.

Can you still use your water supply if the water heater is off?

Yes, you can still use your water supply if your water heater is turned off. However, it may not be wise to rely on your water supply with an inoperable water heater.

Whether you have access to water depends on your particular situation and setup.

If your water heater has a gate valve it won’t shut the water off completely. Because of this there will be a constant small flow of water in and out of the heater.

If there’s water in the tank it will come out. It’s a good idea to drain the tank to allow air in and the water out.

Certain water heater valves won’t provide water until pressure restores in the hot water side of your home’s plumbing system. Additionally, if you want warm water, you will need to allow cold water to come through to the hot side into the water heater.