Hypothetical question. Is there anything wrong with installing a shutoff on the inlet and outlet of a water heater?

When shutting off just the hot water, there is always a very tiny drip even with the T&P releif valve open and all of the hot water faucets in the house open. The ball valve was new that shut off the cold water inlet to the hot water heater.

So, if you have to do some major surgery on the plumbing, you have to shut off the cold water too or use the bread trick.

There is a danger of explosion if both valves are off and the t & p is not working and the tank malfunctions. But other than that it is OK [grinz]

Something has got to be open at all times. I have heard an outlet valve violates code. My tank has one. It is in a CPVC line, so if I am ever forced to remove it, give me 5 minutes and a hacksaw. You just don't want to close them both at once.