Some gas valves have a thermostatic control knob facing forward. The “Off - Pilot - On” gas supply knob is located on the top, between the red interlock button the black “push-button” ignitor. Simply rotate the top knob from the “On” to the “Off” position to stop the flow of gas to the burner. Some electric-reliant heaters have double-pole 30 amp circuit breakers. Switch the circuit breaker from the “On” position to the “Off. " Once off, there is no danger of damaging the heating elements.
Determine whether you’re dealing with a ball valve or a gate valve. Unlike a traditional gate valve’s handle, which needs to be turned completely several times in order to shut off, a ball valve handle is rotated just a 1/4 turn between full on and off positions. If older, traditional gate valves were installed instead, bear in mind that the color of the handle does not guarantee an association with the temperature of the water in the pipe.
Threads are usually provided to connect an ordinary garden hose (or washer supply hose). Some gate valves do not have a traditional handle, but rather a slot at the end of the stem where a handle would normally attach. The slot allows for operation with a screwdriver, or coin. Work this valve gently, as these valves are seldom used more than once or twice per year under normal service conditions, and could be damaged if forced.
Typical mineral sediment that has settled in the hot water is usually harmless, but if your heater has an aluminum anode, there may be a lot of jelly-like aluminum corrosion by-product on the tank bottom. Many people mistakenly believe that the tank is made of glass (or another inert substance). It is not. The inside of the tank will likely be lined with glass to prevent corrosion, since corrosion is the leading cause of water heater failure. There is no danger cooking or consuming water that has been contained in a water heater.
Possible indoor sources of water: Liquid from canned fruit and vegetables Water from the toilet tank (not the toilet bowl), unless it has been chemically treated with toilet cleaners Water from melted ice cubes Possible outdoor sources of water: Water from a rainwater collection system. Water from rivers, steams, springs, and other moving bodies of water Water from ponds, dams, and lakes
