Plumbing – Is it okay to shut off the cold water(blue tubing) to the water heater with the main water still on

bathtubplumbingwaterwater-heater

We have a leak in the bathtub faucet that needs to be addressed, but getting to the main water shutoff is located in a crawl space beneath the adjacent unit.

Is it okay if I shut off the cold water supply to the hot water heater for a few hours, while I repair the tub faucet?

When I turned it off just briefly, it started making an almost pressurizing noise, which had me a little worried. Might have just been the water retreating down the piping, but I wanted to make sure

Best Answer

Yes, but...

  • Turn off the water heater first. You don't want the elements heating without a full tank. Be sure to fill it completely before turning it back on.

  • Expect some residual pressure for a bit. Open a few taps low in the house to help.