The breaker box or fuse box is usually a small, grey power panel (about the size of a shoebox) with a swinging door. It is often attached to a wall. In some homes, it is located in the garage and in others it can be on the outside of the house. The thermostat for the gas heater is usually a red knob located on the outside of the heater where the gas pipe enters the unit. The knob should have 3 settings: “Pilot,” “On,” and “Off. "
You should see small on/off switches. These are called “branch circuits breakers,” and they provide protection against electrical overload to different circuits powering your house. If you know which branch circuit breaker is powering your water heater, turn this individual switch off. If you don’t know which individual circuit breaker is powering your heater, locate a larger switch labeled “Main” above the branch circuit breakers. The main circuit breaker should have higher amperage values like 100, 150, or 200. The branch circuit breakers will have lower numbers from 10-60amps. Turn the main power off, but know that all the power to your house will be shut off for the time-being. If you open the box and find round, glass topped shapes or small tubes with metal ends, you have a fuse box, not a breaker box. In this case, you will need to unscrew and remove the fuse that is powering your water heater (similar to turning off the branch circuit breaker). If you are unsure of which fuse to remove, look for a large rectangular box with a handle/lever at the top of the panel. Tug hard and straight out on the handle, but be careful because the metal parts may be hot. [1] X Research source The power to your entire house has now been shut off.
There are two types of valves in use: ball valves and gate valves. A 90-degree turn closes and opens the ball valve, but a gate valve takes many turns. Some gate valves have a “stop” before they are fully closed or open, so be sure you turn the valve past that stop. Gas and propane supply valves for non-electric heaters can be left on. For natural gas and propane (LP) water heaters, make a note of what the temperature setting is and then turn the thermostat, the large red dial on the front of the control, to the lowest setting, or “Pilot. " If you plan to use the water for other purposes, turn the heat off ahead of time and allow the water to cool overnight before draining.
A similar example of this is when you cover the top of a straw to retain water.
The drain cock may be hidden under a removable cover. If you don’t have a garden hose, you can use a bucket to catch the water and dump it somewhere safe manually. Don’t overfill the bucket since the hot water can soften cheaper plastic buckets or can burn you. [3] X Research source
If you allowed the water to cool overnight, you can drain it into buckets and save the water to use on the yard or for other purposes. Don’t use it for delicate plants, though, or to wash your car, given the presence of sediment. If draining hot water, also be careful of the materials you use. Low-quality hoses and buckets may soften due to the heat, causing leaks. To simplify the process, drain straight into a suitable basement drain or sump hole. Cover the drain cock and hose connection with a towel or rag to prevent scorching water from bursting and spraying in case there is a pressure leak especially if the water heater supplies a second floor or if located in a basement.
The pressure relief valve is usually a lever that you flip into an “up” position to open it. Make sure water flows at a rate that wherever you are draining to can be managed. Caution: If you did not allow the water to cool, it will be extremely hot as it leaves the tank. Also, realize that if the drain cock is made of plastic and the heater is several years old, it may be difficult to open and may break if forced.
If the water is cloudy or you see sand-like material on the bottom of the bucket, continue draining the tank until the water is clear (free of sediment or discoloration). If the tank is empty but you suspect sediment remains, turn the cold-water supply back on to allow more water into the unit. Fill the tank partially and then drain it again. Repeat this process until the discharge is clear. If the water is clear and you see no sediment , you may carry on to the next step.
Also remember to turn off the hot water faucet in your sink or tub.
This will keep the water heater from “pinging” as cold water re-enters it during normal use. After all the compressed air has escaped, close the pressure-relief valve again.
Do not turn on the power yet. If you turn the power on without filling, the heating element can be damaged. Open the hot water tap on the bathtub or wash basin and wait for a full stream of water.
Listen carefully to the water heater to determine if it is working.
