Why map it now
When a tank starts leaking, nobody wants to be searching the garage with a flashlight for the right valve. Most Brea homes have four controls that matter for a water heater: the cold-water supply valve above the tank, the gas control or gas cock for a gas heater, the breaker for an electric or tankless unit, and the main water shutoff for the whole house. Finding them in advance turns a scramble into two minutes of calm work.
Walk through this worksheet with everyone in the household who might be home alone. Try each valve gently to make sure it turns; a valve that has not moved in years may be stiff, and it is better to learn that now than mid-leak.
Fill-in shutoff record
| Control | Where to look | Where it is in my home | Turns freely? (Y/N) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cold-water supply to heater | On the pipe entering the top of the tank | ||
| Gas control knob | On the gas valve at the front of a gas tank | ||
| Gas cock on supply line | On the gas pipe a short way before the heater | ||
| Heater breaker | Electrical panel, often a double breaker for electric tanks | ||
| Tankless power | Outlet or switch near the unit, or a breaker | ||
| House main water shutoff | Where the water line enters the house, or near the meter | ||
| Gas meter | Outside the house; leave gas meter shutoff to SoCalGas or emergency crews unless told otherwise |
How to fill it in
- Start at the heater.Trace the cold pipe from the top of the tank to its valve. On many tanks the cold inlet is marked on the label or top of the heater.
- Find the gas or power controls.Note the gas control knob positions, or label the breaker in the panel if it is not already marked.
- Find the house main.Follow the water line from the street side of the house. Note what tool, if any, the valve needs.
- Test gently.Turn each water valve a quarter turn and back. Do not force a stuck valve; note it for a plumber.
- Post the sheet.Tape the finished map near the heater and keep a photo of it on your phone.
Keep with the map
Common questions
Which valve should I close first for a leaking water heater?
Close the cold-water supply valve above the heater. If it does not stop the leak or will not turn, shut off the main for the house.
What if my cold-water valve is stuck?
Do not force it, since an old valve can break. Use the house main instead and ask a plumber to replace the stuck valve.
Should I turn off the gas at the meter?
For a water leak, turning off the heater's own gas control is enough. For a gas smell, leave and let SoCalGas or emergency crews handle the gas.
General information for Brea, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.