Water Heaters - shut off valve

still looking for auto. shut off valve for water heater, I have seen it on some homeimprov. show. it has a drip pan and a floating ball.

Are you after a overflow cut off switch???? for on a water heater over flow pan????? Try Johnstone supply or Grainger ED;)

Still looking for Automatic shut off valve for the Water Heater. Grainger had one, but not the one i was looking for, Does anyone have any other ideas.

Hello: AceI

I found your original question and combined (merged) the two posts you made into one question. In that manner, the post can remain together and be easier to follow along. Kindly use the reply button when the question pertains to this original question.

I too am not exactly sure what type of automatic shut off valve you are referring to. A water shut off or a gas shut off? Kindly use the reply button to clarify which type of valve.

If you are referring to an automatic gas shut off valve, not likely from the description you provided. But for those whom are also reading this thread, those types are available at plumbing supply stores and not always at the "Big Box" (chain retail) stores.

However, the water shut off types should be available at the local plumbing supply stores. If there is enough demand for the type you are referring to, the plumbing stores will have them.

As an alternet source:
I agree with ED...."Try Johnstone supply or Grainger."

sounds like a float switch in an emergency drain pan under the heater that will stop water flow into the heater in case of rupture.

can be done, a little involved, though

you will need an electrically operated solenoid on the water inlet to the heater

this will be closed by the signal from the switch in the pan
which has detected a set water level

power supply (i would go low voltage) 24 volt

secondary relay to kill power to heater.
if water leak is not heater, this will
prevent you from losing an element

Wishful thinking to think one of these devices will work, but we all know what happens to ball valves and stop and waste valves, they calcify open if left undisturbed for a number of months, years.

If this was a valve that open and shut all the time like a humidifier on a furnace, dishwasher, washing machine, I wouldn't mention this. Water has a way of making valves difficult to open and shut over time. Perfect example is boiler drains serving washing machines. Doesn't take long to make those difficult to open and shut when left undisturbed.

Those solenoid valves have a pathway that will calcify over a short period of time, and if it takes years for something to happen, when that solenoid has to shut the water source off, it will probably never shut the water source down. The calcium buildup will hang the action of the solenoid up, thus shutting water off.



If you put one in, make sure you make a point of trial testing this device numerous times a year to ensure it will work when intended to.

Ok, thanks for the reply. How long should the water heater last? And how do I know how old it is? And should i replace if it is close the that time.

good points about that solenoid valve, never thought of that. i deal mostly in valves that open, close or modulate.

water heaters are rated at lasting 9 to 11 years.

model number or mfg date should tell age