How to turn off your hot water system

1. Turn off the water

Find the cold water inlet: the pipe going into the system, usually near the bottom on electric tanks and gas storage units. It has a valve with a handle. Turn it clockwise, or a quarter turn so the lever sits across the pipe, to stop water going into the tank. If the leak doesn't stop, turn the water off at the meter, usually near the front boundary.

2. Turn off the power (electric and heat pump)

Switch off the isolator switch near the unit if there is one. Otherwise, switch off the hot water circuit at the switchboard. It's often labelled "HWS" or "hot water". Don't keep resetting a circuit that trips, because that usually means a failed element.

3. Turn off the gas (gas storage and continuous flow)

Turn the gas control knob on the unit to "off". If you smell gas, don't use switches or flames. Turn the gas off at the meter or LPG cylinder, go outside and call from there.

4. Solar systems

Turn off the booster at its isolator or circuit, then close the cold water valve. On split systems, also switch off the pump controller.

Be careful of hot water

Water in the tank can be 60°C or hotter. Don't open the relief valve or drain the tank yourself. Leave that to a licensed plumber.

Then call us

With the water and power or gas off, the system is safe until we arrive. We answer 24/7 and there's no call-out fee.