1 Answer. No it wont hurt the water heater.
You can usually turn off the gas with a switch nearby the water heater. There is usually a simple valve that needs to be turned off. However, depending on the situation, you may also want to cut the gas supply to your house to prevent carbon monoxide gases in your house.
The water heater will still turn on and off to maintain the water temperature inside of the tank. Think about if you have ever gone away for a prolonged period of time. Normally there will be no water use for days or weeks and this causes no problems to the tank.
If you're away during warmer months, placing the water heater in vacation mode is unnecessary, and the heater can just be powered off. This goes for both gas and electric water heaters. For gas, twist the thermostat dial to the OFF position. For electric models, turn off the water heater at the circuit breaker.
Series 210-5 Automatic Gas Shutoff Valves are used in gas water heater applications to protect against overheating water in the domestic hot water supply heating system. It is an immersion-type valve that automatically shuts off the gas supply to the heater if the temperature reaches 210°F (99°C).
These important safety tips can be followed in both our workplaces and homes: If the pilot light of an appliance goes out, turn off the gas at the appliance for several minutes before attempting to re-light it. Instructions should be attached to the appliance.
Standard natural gas water heater
The dial at the bottom of the appliance can be set to VACATION or to the lowest setting. You can also shut off the cold water supply to the water heater to limit any damage in case the tank leaks. Upon your return, do a visual inspection of the appliance.
Why Is My Water Heater Constantly Running? In the average home, the water heater will run for about three hours each day. Total run time can range from one to two hours for new tankless water heaters to five or more hours for older tank style water heaters.
Even if you are going out for the weekend, it is always advisable to shut off your water supply. While on vacation, faults could be developing gradually within your plumbing. They could be pipe leaks, water heater malfunctions or clogged drains.
You may also choose to turn your hot water heater off completely. For gas water heaters, shut off the gas supply to the tank. For electric water heaters, turn off the power to the machine in your breaker box. When you return, simply restore the connections and relight the pilot light if you have a gas water heater.
If the pilot light goes out, the gas will stop flowing and your unit will shut off. When heating is required, the gas control valve releases the gas into the main burner where the pilot light ignites the gas. Apart from lighting the main burner, the pilot light also provides warmth to the thermocouple.
Have your flashlight or cell phone handy to help you locate the shut-off valve. All gas appliances have a separate shut-off valve, typically within a few feet of the device. To find the gas shut-off valve on your water heater, look for a single handle, which you'll usually find at the bottom of the unit.
How Much Gas Does a Hot Water Heater Use? Most gas hot water heaters use between 20-50 therms of gas per month. A therm is a unit of measurement for natural gas and is equivalent to 100,000 BTUs. So, if you have a gas hot water heater, it's likely using around 2,000-5,000 BTUs per hour.
A broken or malfunctioning water heater can raise your gas or electricity bill considerably. Water heaters with too much sediment at the bottom of the tank require more energy to adequately heat the water. Often even with the increase in energy the water still doesn't get heated properly.
Average Lifespan Of A Hot Water Heater
With regular inspection, draining, and flushing, you can expect a gas water heater to last anywhere from 8-12 years and an electric water heater to last anywhere from 10-15 years.
When the main water line is turned off, it cuts off the water supply to your entire house, including both hot and cold water. The reason why hot water stops flowing when the main water line is turned off is because the hot water system in most homes is connected to the cold water system.
Absolutely! We can send a gas service technician to light your pilot, and conduct a gas safety check of your gas fireplace or any other gas appliance to ensure your safety. You can schedule an appointment by logging into Your Account and selecting the Service Requests tab.
However, it's important to understand the risks of turning off your pilot light. Gas leaks and explosions are just two of the dangers that can occur when your pilot light is turned off unexpectedly. Instead, it's always best to leave the pilot light on when you're not home.
That said, even the failsafe system can malfunction, so any time your pilot is out, be sure to carefully check for any strong odors of gas (smells kind of like sulfur, or rotten eggs). If you notice a gas smell, do not attempt to relight the pilot!
Usually, it will be a broken heating element, thermostat or gas valve that leads a homeowner to consider a replacement. Because water heaters are complex systems, it is usually recommended that you call in a professional plumber who can quickly and properly diagnose your problem, then remedy it.
Yes it is safe to leave the water heater in pilot mode while flushing. You do not want the burner to fire while the tank is empty as this can damage the tank but the pilot will not cause a problem. Added: most gas valves with a standing pilot have the temp setting and “pilot” then off settings.
Always shut your water off before a trip, even if it's just overnight. A burst pipe or leak can lead to costly water damage within 24 hours. Learn where the shut-off valve is and how to turn it off before leaving.
Vacation mode is a setting on your water heater system that allows you to run your boiler at lower temperatures than normal, saving energy. Typically, manufacturers set vacation mode to 50° F—well below the warmth you need to heat your home, but hot enough to prevent any water from freezing while you're away.
When on vacation in the winter, you should still turn off the water. Shutting off the water to your home or business is safe to do year-round, but can be especially beneficial during the winter season. Cold temperatures can cause standing water to freeze, leading to burst pipes and soggy situations.