I have a leak. How can I turn off the hot water to my house without turning off the hot water heater?

Question

We currently have a leak in the upstairs shower. The hot water handle can not be more in the "off" position, but the hot water is still coming out. Is it possible to turn off the hot water to this shower? Or to the whole house? I see an "Off" valve on the hot water heater (not the water coming in, the water going out), but am hesitatant to switch it over since I know nothing about hot water heaters (and I do not want it to explode). Can anyone out there help?! Thanks so much!

Answer 1

take the base off the stem on the shower ck to see if there is a shut off,if not most ht,wtr,htrs.have a shut off on them,it wont hurt to turn it off,if not the onle other option is to turn the hole house off. guess you know how to frix the hot wtr stem???

Answer 2

Actually, you can turn off any of the valves around the hot water heater safely.  The water heater is at the pressure of the water system so shutting the valve just means you have blocked the flow.  If you blocked the intake for months and left the heat on, it might cook dry, but you are not going to do that.  

Answer 3

Find your water meter. You can turn it off there. First turn off the power to your water heater, if not you may burn it out

Answer 4

a hot water tank has a shut off on the cold water side or inlet side of the tank, this will shut the hot water off to the house unless you have another source of hot water.

it sounds like you need a rebuild kit for your shower valve and this should be addressed right away.

good luck.

Answer 5

There is no hot water coming to your house.  The water is cold until it is pulled in by the hot water heater.

You can turn the valve off on the hot water heater, but it is going to shut off hot water to the entire house.  

Is the leak coming from the hot water lever, or from the showerhead?  

If it is not causing any damage, it will probably be fine for the time being or you can shut off the water heater.  Go to your local hardware store tomorrow and they can advise you, and/or you can call a service person.

Answer 6

You can turn off the water valve at the hot water heater while you fix your leak.  Once the water valve is in the off position the hot water tank will still remain full and heat normally, you just want getting any hot water flowing to the faucets in the house.

Answer 7

You can safely shut the valve at the heater.