Emergency Water Heater Safety Checklist
Everything Utah homeowners need in one printable reference sheet; emergency shutdown steps, annual maintenance tasks, warning signs to watch for, and a personal contact card. Print it, fill it in, and post it next to your water heater before you ever need it.
Press Ctrl+P (Windows) or ⌘+P (Mac), then choose “Save as PDF”
What’s on the checklist?
7-Step Emergency Protocol
Numbered shutdown steps for gas, electric, and water supply — in exactly the right order.
12-Point Annual Inspection
Printable checkbox items covering T&P valves, anode rods, sediment flushing, thermostat settings, and more.
Personal Contact Card
Fill-in fields for your plumber, backup plumber, gas company, and water utility — before an emergency strikes.
Warning Signs + Dos & Don’ts
Know when to call a pro immediately, and what never to do during a water heater emergency.
emergencywaterheaterslc.com
Water Heater Safety Checklist
Emergency Response • Annual Maintenance • Warning Signs • Personal Contact Card
My Emergency Contacts
Emergency Response — What To Do Right Now
- Shut off the gas supply. Turn the gas shutoff valve directly behind the unit to the OFF position (lever perpendicular to the pipe).
- Close the cold-water inlet valve. Located on the pipe entering the top of the tank — turn clockwise until fully closed.
- Cut electrical power (electric water heaters). Flip the dedicated 240V breaker in your main electrical panel to OFF before touching any wiring or connections.
- Do not use light switches, candles, or any appliances. If you smell gas, any spark could ignite it. Open windows and exterior doors to ventilate immediately.
- Evacuate if gas smell persists. Leave doors open, move away from the building, and call your gas company’s emergency line from a safe distance outside. Do not re-enter until cleared by emergency services.
- Call 911 if there is fire, active flooding, structural damage, or anyone is injured.
- Call your licensed plumber (contact card above). For Utah-area professionals, visit emergencywaterheaterslc.com.
Annual Maintenance Date: ___________
- Test the T&P relief valve
- Flush sediment (drain 3–4 gal)
- Inspect anode rod; replace if >50% gone
- Inspect flue/exhaust pipe (gas)
- Set thermostat to 120°F (49°C)
- Check fittings and tank for corrosion
- Test gas connections with soapy water
- Verify combustion air vents are clear
- Confirm expansion tank is present
- Check inlet/outlet labels + valve operation
- Maintain 18-inch clearance around unit
- Last pro inspection: ________________
Warning Signs — Call a Professional Immediately
- Rust-colored or metallic-tasting hot water
- Rumbling, popping, or banging during heating
- Water pooling at the base of the unit
- No hot water or severe temperature swings
- Visible cracks, bulging, or severe rust on tank
- Pilot light that repeatedly goes out (gas)
- Rotten-egg smell near the water heater
- Unit over 10–12 yrs old (tank) or 20 yrs (tankless)
- T&P relief valve dripping continuously
- Unexplained spike in hot water utility bills
Safety Dos & Don’ts
Dos
✓ Know where your gas & water shutoffs are
✓ Flush sediment from the tank every year
✓ Test the T&P relief valve annually
✓ Keep thermostat set to exactly 120°F
✓ Replace anode rod every 3–5 years
✓ Schedule a pro inspection every year
✓ Post this checklist near the water heater
Don’ts
✗ Don’t re-light the pilot if you smell gas
✗ Don’t ignore rumbling or banging noises
✗ Don’t store anything flammable within 18 in
✗ Don’t attempt repairs without permits
✗ Don’t ignore discolored hot water
✗ Don’t let unit age beyond its rated lifespan
✗ Don’t block combustion air supply vents
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