Step-by-Step Emergency Shutdown
- Find the cold water isolation valve: Located on the cold water pipe entering the cylinder — usually a blue-handled tap, ball valve, or gate valve. It should be near the base of the cylinder.
- Close the isolation valve: Turn the handle clockwise (right) to shut off water supply to the cylinder. If it's a gate valve, turn until it stops. Ball valves turn 90 degrees.
- Turn off at the switchboard: Find the circuit breaker labelled 'HWC', 'Hot Water Cylinder' or similar and switch it off. For gas cylinders, turn off the gas supply valve on the gas pipe.
- Leave the T&P valve alone: If the pressure relief valve is releasing, do not block it. It's doing its safety job.
- Call a plumber: Same-day emergency service is available across Christchurch.
What If I Can't Find the Isolation Valve?
If you can't find the cylinder's isolation valve, shut off the water at your property's main toby (water meter). It's usually located at the front boundary of your property, in a small ground-level box. Use a flat-blade screwdriver or toby key to turn it off. This shuts off all water to the property.
When Should You Turn Off Your Cylinder?
- Visible leak from the tank body
- Water flooding from the cylinder area
- Strange electrical smells or smoke near the cylinder
- You're going away for more than 2 weeks (saves power too)