Emergency Response

Emergency Shut-Off Guide: How to Safely Stop a Leaking Water Heater

Step-by-step instructions to immediately kill power, stop incoming water pressure, and protect your home during a catastrophic water heater leak.

Step 1: Shut Off the Fuel or Electric Power Source

Before touching any wet pipes, eliminate fire and electrocution hazards:

• For Electric Water Heaters: Go to your main electrical circuit breaker panel and locate the double-pole 30-amp breaker labeled "Water Heater." Flip it completely to the OFF position.
• For Gas Water Heaters: Locate the thermostat control box on the front bottom of the heater. Turn the gas dial clockwise from "ON" to "OFF" or "PILOT." If you smell gas, exit immediately and call KUB.

Step 2: Shut Off the Cold Water Supply Valve

Look at the top of the water heater. Follow the cold water inlet pipe (usually on the right side) until you see a valve:

• Quarter-Turn Ball Valve: Turn the lever handle 90 degrees so it is perpendicular to the pipe.
• Multi-Turn Wheel/Gate Valve: Turn the circular wheel handle clockwise until it stops turning completely.

Step 3: Relieve Hot Water Line Pressure

Go to the lowest level sink or bathtub in your house and turn the HOT water faucet fully open. This releases vacuum and hydraulic pressure inside the tank, stopping pressurized water from escaping the leak point.

Step 4: Call Knoxville 24/7 Emergency Dispatch

With water flow halted, our dispatch technicians can safely arrive, pump out remaining tank water, diagnose the failure, and repair or replace your system.