How Do I Turn Off The Gas Supply To The Water Heater
How do I turn off the gas supply to the water heater? This is one question we are frequently asked by our customers. It is a great question and one that every homeowner should be educated in, just in case problems arise with their water heater.
You might smell gas coming from your water heater, it might not be performing as usual or it the water heater may be leaking and it would be a good idea to know how to turn off the gas.
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. Knowing how to shut off the gas from both places can really come in handy.
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. To find a water heaters’ gas shut off valve look for a single handle valve that would usually be located at the bottom of the unit about a foot or two out. The valve will look similar to the one in the image below.
Turn this valve in the clockwise position to turn the gas off. If you can’t get the gas valve to turn, can’t find the gas valve, or if there are any other problems, there is a second option which is to turn the gas off to the whole house.
To turn off the gas supply to the whole house:
Finding the gas meter shut off valve can sounds daunting, but it can actually be pretty simple. The gas meter shut off is located right next to the gas meter that is found on the exterior of the house as shown below. The gas valve is on when it is parallel to the incoming gas line. When the valve is turned a quarter turn so that it is perpendicular, then the gas line is closed and the flow of gas is off. Typically, this valve can only be opened and closed with a wrench. In case of emergency or if you smell gas, exit the home and contact your gas provider.
If you are concerned about how to turn off the gas supply to the water heater or any of the signs above you can call and speak with a water heater expert 24 hours a day 1-866-946-7842 or check our FAQ’s to read more about common water heater problems.
Can you only turn off the gas line to the water heater only. Be ok till we can get the water heater replace and gas lines check in the house
Hi Sherry, Yes, you can. However we do recommend that is you turn the gas off to the water heater, you also turn off the water to the water heater. You should still be able to have water throughout the house at cold faucets, the hot will just not work.
Should the gas line be connected and on to the hot water heater while the hot water heater is off?
The most important this is that the gas is turned off, when it is not connected. I would recommend that it is best to keep the connection intact, that way incase someone else turns the gas on by accident, there is not a leak.
Replacing a water heater, is it ok if u only turn off the gas from the heater
Hi Maria, We recommend turning off the Gas and/or electric and the water to the unit prior to replacement.
Thank You!