How To Shut Off Your Water Heater

Have you ever had that emergency moment where you needed to turn off your water heater?

This is something that every single home owner should know how to do!  Of course, you can always call your local Mr. Rooter plumber to help you out with any water heater needs, but in an emergency it's important to know how to do a quick fix.

When do you need to turn off your water heater?  If it is overheating, making some funky noises, or operating abnormally it's time to turn it off.  You do NOT want to leave a water heater that is not working correctly running if you can help it. If you leave your water heater on, the problem could become more serious which increases your chance of a leak, flooding, or worse. 

Another reason you might want to turn your water heater off is if you are a DIY type of person and are doing water heater maintenance.   To maintain your water heater, the tank must be drained to avoid sediment build-up and build efficiency. Before draining your water heater, the water must be turned off to avoid personal injury or even electrocution - which is why we recommend you call your local Mr. Rooter Plumber.

How to Shut Off Your Water Heater

Gas: Twist the dial on the top of the thermostat from the ON to OFF position. 
Electric: Switch your circuit breaker for the water heater to the OFF position.

Turn off the water supply. Turn the handle on the water valve clockwise until it stops.  If the water does not stop, turn off the primary water valve for the whole house.

Drain your water heater. Within your home, open up any of the hot water faucets on your sinks or tubs. This helps prevent a vacuum forming in the lines. Return to your water heater and open up the drain valve to drain the hot water from the tank. Be sure that the far end of the hose is draining someplace that will not be damaged by hot water!! If you can, an outside driveway is your best bet.

Test the pressure release valve. When the water temperature has been brought back up, test the pressure valve according to the manufacturer's instructions. 

If during any of this process you feel unsure please call your local Mr. Rooter plumber right away! 315.472.1203

Image by: Mark Florence

Teaching Your Kids About Basic Plumbing

At an early age kids are fascinated with water, toilets, and everything else they can get their hands on. As soon as you turn your back on your kid, they have their hands down the toilet splashing that water with a giant smile on their face. You can't help but laugh along with them, even though you have to explain to them that they can't do that.

We have to explain to our kids the importance of plumbing. Teaching our children that plumbing follows the basic laws of nature, gravity, pressure, water seeking it's own level might seem like a lot but they understand. Kids are very smart. That's why they are always trying to flush their toys, your keys, loads of paper towels, loose change, and stuffed animals down the toilet. They understand that if they put it in there and flush it will disappear into another dimension.

They have to be taught that it's not magic. It might be fun, but it will cause a lot of damage to your pipes and to your pockets. Kids have to understand that their health depends on a properly functioning plumbing system. They need to use the toilet, they need for everything to drain and not be backed up. They need safe drinking water coming into the house, they need clean water to shower and clean up with. Without it we would be living back in the stone ages.

At a early age they should know not to flush:

• Toys- Yes Aqua Man can swim, but he can stay in the bathtub 
• Wipes- baby wipes, cleaning wipes, even wipes that say "flushable"
• Q-Tips- they are skinny, but it can cause obstruction in the pipes
• Diapers- when kids are learning to potty train, they think it's ok to take off that diaper and put it in the toilet. Big No!

For kids who are old enough to help you with the dishes:

• Don't dispose of grease, bones, stringy vegetables, corn husks, potato peels, pasta, or any anything starchy down the garbage disposal.
• Explain to them that they should properly clean the dishes before placing them in the dishwasher. 

When they are old enough to be left home alone:

• They should know how to shut the water off to the entire house if there is an emergency leak
• Plunge the toilet 
• Plunge the sink

We have to teach our kids to be independent, strong and able to handle simple plumbing issues. 

If you have any questions or concerns email or call me

Kevin Szabo Jr 

(708)845-7922

kevinszabojrplumbing@yahoo.com