Cold showers. They’re the worst.
The water heater is a necessary evil. It’s the thing that heats your shower, washes your dishes, and keeps you from freezing when it gets cold outside. But it can be a real pain in the neck to turn off.
Whether you’re stuck in the middle of a drought or just trying to conserve water in an effort to save the earth, there are times when turning off your hot water heater is necessary. But who has time to read through an entire manual?
The trick is to make it as easy as possible to turn off so you don’t have to fumble around with it every time you go to work or bed at night.
It’s time for a quick guide on how to turn off the water heater—and it’s written by your local water heater installation and repair expert – The Clog Dawg Plumbing & Hydrojetting Inc!
Let’s find out!
Types of Water Heaters
Before we get to learn how to turn off hot water heater, let’s first understand the basics so you can take the right actions.
Water heaters are like the Swiss army knives of the plumbing world. They have a lot of uses, but you can’t really take them anywhere.
So what’s the difference between water heaters? Here are three types of water heaters that you’ll find in most homes:
Gas Water Heaters
Gas water heaters are the most common type of water heater in homes across the country. They’re easy to use, reliable, and generally less expensive than other options. They also tend to be more efficient than electric models, but they can still cost more than tankless ones over time because they use gas instead of electricity (unless your home has solar panels or wind turbines installed). If one breaks down, it can also be expensive to fix or replace since it requires professional help from an HVAC technician who knows how to work with gas appliances safely!
Electric Water Heaters
Electric water heaters are the most common type of water heater in homes across America today. They’re easy to install, work well in almost any situation, and don’t require any external fuel source. However, they can be expensive to operate—especially if you use them often—and they can be more difficult to repair than other types of water heaters.
Tankless Water Heaters
These are the most efficient, environmentally friendly water heaters available. They heat up water as you need it, which means that you don’t have to waste energy heating more than you need. These units can also be placed almost anywhere in your home and are relatively easy to install. However, they draw a lot of electricity—and can be costly to repair or replace if the water heater breaks down.
Water Heaters: Tankless vs. Tank – Which one to choose?
For many people, choosing a water heater is simple: you just go with a tankless water heater. It’s new, it’s exciting, and it’s all the rage these days! But what if you’re not sure whether you want to go with a tank or a tankless model?
Don’t worry. Here’s a comparison chart outlining the key differences between tankless water heaters and tank-type water heaters so that you can make an informed decision—and get the most out of the best investment in your home!
| Feature | Tankless Water Heaters | Tank-Type Water Heaters |
| Operation | Heats water on demand as it flows through the unit | Heats and stores a specific amount of water in a tank |
| Energy Efficiency | More energy efficient due to no standby heat loss | Less energy efficient due to standby heat loss |
| Hot Water Supply | An unlimited supply of hot water never runs out | A limited supply of hot water based on tank capacity |
| Space Requirement | Compact size takes up less space | Requires more space for the tank and associated plumbing |
| Installation | May require specialized installation and venting | Standard installation, less complex |
| Initial Cost | Higher initial cost | Lower initial cost |
| Lifespan | Typically longer lifespan | Typically shorter lifespan |
| Maintenance | Less maintenance required | Regular maintenance required (tank flushing, etc.) |
| Long-Term Savings | Potential for long-term energy savings | Less potential for energy savings over time |
| Environmental Impact | Lower greenhouse gas emissions | Higher greenhouse gas emissions (due to standby loss) |
| Flexibility | Can be installed closer to the point of use | Limited to the location of the tank |
| Cold Start | Slight delay in receiving hot water | No delay in receiving hot water |
| Suitability | Ideal for households with high hot water demand | Suitable for households with moderately hot water demand |
| Geographical Location | Suitable for both warm and cold climates | Suitable for cold climates |
| Water Quality Consideration | May require additional water treatment due to higher temperatures | No additional water treatment required |
Benefits of Turning Off Your Water Heater
Do you know the average household uses about 30 gallons of hot water per day, which translates to roughly 2,500 gallons per month? By simply turning off your water heater for just two hours at night, you’ll save 2,500 gallons of water—and money!
If you’re like most people, you probably turn your water heater on and off without much thought. But have you ever considered the benefits of turning off your water heater?
Turning off your water heater can offer several benefits, including:
Energy savings
Turning off your water heater when you’re not utilizing it will save you money on your utility bill. In fact, according to the U.S. Department of Energy, turning off the heater when you’re not going to use it can save $35 per year—that’s almost enough money for a Netflix subscription!
Cost savings
With energy bills rising yearly and staying stagnant for so long, many families are looking for ways to cut costs wherever possible. Turning off your water heater when it’s not in use is one easy way to do this. Even if you only save a few dollars each month by turning off your hot water heater when it’s not in use, those savings add up quickly over time!
Extend lifespan
Your water heater is like any other machine: the more you utilize it, the more rapidly it wears down. Turning off your water heater for long periods of time gives it a chance to rest and repair itself, extending its life.
Help the environment
Water heaters are energy-intensive appliances in homes across America. If we all turned them off when we’re not using them, we’d be saving an enormous amount of energy—and air pollution!
Safety
This is obviously the biggest benefit—you don’t want a house fire or an accidental scalding because your water heater is on. It’s just not worth it!
Peace of mind
You’ll have peace of mind knowing that your house is safe from accidents and fires and that you really don’t have to stress about it.
When Should You Turn Off Water Heater?
It’s a question we’ve all asked ourselves at least once in our lives.
We know that turning the water heater off is an excellent technique to save money, but what if it’s not an emergency situation? Are there any other reasons to turn it off?
The answer is yes! There are some things that happen when you turn your water heater off—and we want to tell you about them.
Consider turning off your water heater in the following situations:
Extended Absence
If you’re going to be gone for more than two weeks, it’s a good idea to turn off the water heater. This will prevent the tank from continuing to heat up and then cool down while it’s empty. Not only will this help conserve energy, but it can also prevent damage to your tank!
Seasonal Shutdown
You may already have an established routine for turning your water heater off during winter when temperatures and usage are lower. But did you know that even if you don’t use your heater during colder months, some residual heat might still be left in your tank? That residual heat can cause problems like rusting pipes or cracking tanks! So if you don’t need your heater during cold weather seasons (and even if you do), make sure you’re turning off your water heater.
Repairs or Maintenance
Most homeowners in North Atlanta have their water heaters checked annually by professionals, but turning off the water heater can help prevent damage during this time. If you don’t have time for a full inspection, turn off your water heater for a few hours at least, especially if you see any indication that something might be wrong (like leaking).
Water Quality Issues
If you have a problem with your water supply, such as rust in the pipes or high mineral content from hard water, it’s best to turn off the hot side of your system until you can fix these issues by installing filters or other treatments.
How to turn off gas water heater?
When you’re ready to call it a day, you sometimes want to turn off the lights, shut down your Macbook, and go to bed. But there are some things in life that you just don’t know how to turn off—and your gas water heater is one of them.
If you’ve ever wondered how to turn off your gas water heater, we’re here to help. Here’s a general guide on how to turn off a gas water heater:
Step 1: Locate the gas supply valve
The gas supply valve is typically located on the gas line leading to the water heater. It is usually a lever or a knob that controls the flow of gas.
Step 2: Turn off the gas supply
Rotate the gas supply valve to the “Off” position. This shuts off the flow of gas to the water heater. Ensure the valve is completely closed.
Step 3: Locate the pilot light or ignition system
Look for the pilot light or ignition system of the water heater. It is usually located near the bottom of the unit.
Step 4: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions
Different water heaters may have specific procedures for turning off the pilot light or ignition system. Refer to the manufacturer’s instructions or the labeling on the water heater for guidance.
Step 5: Turn off the pilot light
If the water heater has a standing pilot light, you will need to extinguish it. This is typically done by turning the gas control knob to the “Pilot” position and holding a flame or a long-reach lighter near the pilot burner while simultaneously pressing the ignition button or using a match to light the pilot light. Follow the specific instructions for your water heater model.
Step 6: Confirm the gas supply is off
Try to relight the pilot light to ensure the gas supply is truly off. If it doesn’t ignite, it indicates that the gas supply has been successfully shut off.
How to turn off electric water heater?
Electric water heaters are a great way to heat your water. They’re cheap, efficient, and easy to install. But sometimes, you just want to turn them off. Here’s how to turn off electric water heater:
Step 1: Locate the circuit breaker or fuse box
The circuit breaker or fuse box is typically located in your home’s basement, utility room, or designated area.
Step 2: Identify the water heater circuit
Look for the circuit breaker or fuse labeled specifically for the water heater. It should be clearly marked.
Step 3: Turn off the circuit breaker or remove the fuse
If your water heater has a circuit breaker, switch it to the “Off” position. If it has a fuse, carefully remove it from the box.
Step 4: Verify power is off
To ensure the power is off, try turning on a hot water valve in your house. If no hot water flows or the water doesn’t get warm, it confirms that the power to the water heater has been successfully turned off.
Step 5: Additional precaution (optional)
For an extra layer of safety, you can also turn off the power supply at the main electrical panel by flipping the main circuit breaker or removing the main fuse. However, exercise caution when dealing with the main power supply, as it affects electricity to the entire home.
Get Help From A Professional Water Heater Installation And Repair Expert In North Atlanta!
If you’re in North Atlanta and need help with your water heater, trust The Clog Dawg Plumbing & Hydrojetting Inc.
We are a locally owned and operated company that specializes in residential and commercial plumbing services. We have been providing professional installation and repair services for many years now.
We have the experience and expertise to ensure that your plumbing and Water Heaters in Marietta needs are met by a team of certified and licensed professionals who will ensure you receive the best service possible. Our services include:
– Water Heater Installation Services
– Water Heater Repair Services
– Drain Cleaning Services
– Water Repiping Services
– Water Line Repair Services
– Hydrojetting
– Leak Detection and Repair Services
– Bathroom Remodels
– Gas Line Repair Services
– Garbage Disposal Installation Services
– Commercial Plumbing Services
– 24*7 Emergency Plumbing Services
No matter what type of water heater you have, whether it be gas or electric, we have the knowledge needed to handle any issue that may arise.
We offer emergency repairs and preventative maintenance plans for homeowners in Atlanta who want to avoid costly repairs down the road.
Our team of highly skilled, licensed, and insured plumbers can handle any plumbing task that comes their way. Our technicians are experts at installing, repairing, and maintaining all types of water heaters. They will work quickly to get your system up and running again, so you never have to stress about running out of hot water again!
So, don’t let your water heater problems keep you awake at night—get help from The Clog Dawg Plumbing & Hydrojetting Inc today!
Call us at (404) 998-1967 to schedule an appointment with our professional plumbers in North Atlanta!