Having no running water in your home can be an inconvenience. You may be wondering if you should turn off your water heater as well when you have no water. There are a few factors to consider when making this decision.
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: It is generally recommended to turn off your water heater if the water will be off for more than a day or two to prevent damage and save energy.
Reasons to Turn Off the Water Heater
Prevent Damage from Dry Firing
One of the main reasons to turn off the water heater when the water is off is to prevent damage from dry firing. Dry firing occurs when the heating elements in the water heater are exposed to air without any water.
This can cause the heating elements to overheat and burn out, leading to costly repairs or even the need for a new water heater. By turning off the water heater when there is no water supply, you can avoid this potential damage and extend the lifespan of your water heater.
Save Energy and Lower Utility Bills
Another compelling reason to turn off the water heater is to save energy and lower utility bills. Water heaters are one of the biggest energy consumers in most households. By turning off the water heater when it is not in use, you can significantly reduce energy consumption and save money on your monthly utility bills.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, a water heater that is turned off for just a few hours a day can result in significant energy savings over time.
Prevent Leaks or Flooding
Turning off the water heater when the water is off can also help prevent leaks or flooding. If there is a leak in the water supply line or a pipe bursts while the water heater is on, it can lead to significant water damage in your home.
By turning off the water heater, you can minimize the risk of leaks or flooding and protect your property from expensive water damage repairs.
It is important to note that turning off the water heater should only be done when the water supply is expected to be off for an extended period of time. If the water supply will be restored within a short period, it is generally not necessary to turn off the water heater.
However, if you are unsure or want to err on the side of caution, it is always a good idea to consult a professional plumber for advice.
Reasons Not to Turn Off the Water Heater
Avoid Having to Relight the Pilot Light
One of the main reasons why you should consider leaving your water heater on even when the water is off is to avoid the hassle of having to relight the pilot light. When you turn off the water heater, the pilot light goes out, and relighting it can be a tedious process.
You may need to follow specific instructions provided by the manufacturer to relight the pilot light, and it can take some time and effort to get it up and running again. By keeping the water heater on, you can save yourself the trouble of dealing with the pilot light.
Maintain Hot Water for Limited Use
Another reason to keep your water heater on is to maintain hot water for limited use, even when the water is turned off. There may be situations where you need hot water for tasks such as washing your hands, doing dishes, or taking a shower, even if the main water supply is temporarily cut off.
By keeping the water heater on, you will have a reserve of hot water available for these essential tasks. This can be especially useful during emergencies or when there is a temporary interruption in the water supply.
How Long Can the Water Be Off Before Turning Off the Heater?
Many homeowners wonder whether it is necessary to turn off their water heater when the water supply is turned off for maintenance or repairs. While there is no definitive answer to this question, there are a few factors to consider.
Duration of Water Supply Interruption
The first thing to consider is the duration of the water supply interruption. If the water supply is only going to be off for a short period of time, such as a few hours, it is generally not necessary to turn off the water heater.
The water heater is designed to heat and store hot water, so it can continue to do so even when there is no water supply.
However, if the water supply is going to be off for an extended period of time, such as a day or more, it is recommended to turn off the water heater. This is because the water in the tank can become stagnant and may eventually lead to the growth of bacteria or other contaminants.
Potential Risks
Leaving the water heater on when there is no water supply can also pose other risks. Without water to heat, the heating element inside the water heater can become damaged or burn out. This can result in costly repairs or the need for a replacement heater.
In addition, if there is a leak in the plumbing system while the water supply is off, leaving the water heater on can cause water to continue to flow and potentially flood your home. Turning off the water heater can help prevent this from happening.
Turning Off the Water Heater
If you decide to turn off the water heater during a water supply interruption, it is important to follow the proper steps. Start by turning off the power to the water heater at the circuit breaker or fuse box. Then, locate the shut-off valve on the cold water supply line and turn it off.
This will prevent water from entering the tank while the supply is off.
Once the water supply is restored, it is important to flush out any stagnant water that may have accumulated in the tank before turning the water heater back on. This can be done by opening a faucet on the hot water side and allowing the water to run until it is clear and free of any debris.
The Process of Turning Off a Water Heater
Gas Water Heater
Turning off a gas water heater involves a few important steps to ensure safety and prevent any damage. Here’s the process:
- Locate the gas control valve: The gas control valve is typically located near the bottom of the water heater. It may have a red or black knob.
- Turn off the gas supply: Using caution, turn the gas control valve to the “off” position. This will shut off the gas supply to the water heater.
- Turn off the pilot light: If your gas water heater has a standing pilot light, you will need to turn it off as well. This can usually be done using the control knob on the gas valve. Consult your water heater’s manual for specific instructions.
- Turn off the water supply: While not directly related to the gas water heater, it’s a good idea to also turn off the water supply to prevent any potential leaks or damage.
Remember, when turning off a gas water heater, it’s important to exercise caution and follow the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure proper shutdown and avoid any potential hazards.
Electric Water Heater
Turning off an electric water heater is a relatively straightforward process. Here’s what you need to do:
- Locate the circuit breaker: Find the circuit breaker that controls the power supply to the water heater. It is usually labeled in the electrical panel.
- Turn off the circuit breaker: Switch off the circuit breaker that corresponds to the water heater. This will cut off the power supply to the water heater, ensuring it is turned off.
- Turn off the water supply: As with gas water heaters, it’s a good idea to also turn off the water supply to prevent any potential leaks or damage.
By following these steps, you can safely turn off your electric water heater when the water is off. It’s important to note that once the water is turned back on, you will need to follow the manufacturer’s instructions to properly restart the water heater.
Turning the Water Heater Back On
After a period of time without water, such as during a vacation or a plumbing repair, you may be wondering if it is necessary to turn off your water heater. The answer to this question depends on a few factors, including the type of water heater you have and the duration of time that the water will be turned off.
Gas Water Heaters
For gas water heaters, it is generally recommended to turn off the gas supply when the water is turned off. This is because the burner in a gas water heater heats the water directly, and without water, the burner can become damaged or even cause a fire hazard.
Once the water is turned back on, it is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for relighting the pilot light and turning the gas supply back on. If you are unsure about how to do this, it is best to consult a professional plumber.
Electric Water Heaters
Electric water heaters work differently than gas water heaters. They use heating elements that are submerged in the water to heat it up. Since the heating elements are not exposed to air, there is less risk of damage if the water is turned off.
However, it is still a good idea to turn off the power supply to the water heater to prevent any potential electrical issues. Once the water is turned back on, you can simply turn the power supply back on.
Considerations
It is important to note that turning off the water heater does not necessarily mean that you will save a significant amount of energy. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the standby heat loss of most water heaters is relatively low, and it may take more energy to reheat the water than to keep it at a constant temperature.
However, if you will be without water for an extended period of time, such as several days or more, it may be worth turning off the water heater to save energy.
Additionally, if you are turning off the water heater for an extended period of time, it is important to properly drain the tank to prevent any potential damage from freezing. Again, it is recommended to consult a professional plumber for assistance with this process.
Conclusion
Deciding whether to turn off your hot water heater when you have no running water depends on several factors. If the water will be off for more than a couple days, it is usually recommended to shut off the water heater to prevent damage and waste energy.
But if you will have water again soon, you may opt to leave it on for limited use. Follow the proper procedures to safely turn off and back on gas or electric water heaters.
