I am about to fix a faucet (H), but there is not a local shutoff at the sink. I shut off the water to the house but realized that I would still get hot water from the tank. Do I need to drain the entire hot water tank (at the faucet) or will the lack of pressure eventually balance out leaving my tank partially full? I just didn't want to a) waste water if I didn't need to by draining the tank or b) leave a tank on and empty.

Thanks

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Do I need to drain the entire hot water tank (at the faucet) or will the lack of pressure eventually balance out leaving my tank partially full?

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Do you have a water heater that's under house pressure or do you have a hot water storage tank located in the attic?: is there a shut off on the tank outlet or inlet to the tank? Back to you, Tom

Thanks, Tom.

My tank is in the basement. It has a shut off valve on the inlet only.

Pete

I would turn off water heater breaker, then shut off water, open outside faucet or something at a lower level than faucet you are working on, Then with a bucket under supply line, disconnect, be ready to change bucket or reconnect if a lot of water in the line.
Could be a little or a lot, depending on the way plumbing was routed.
I wouldn't drain tank, just let it go to its own level.

If fauce you are working on is not in basement, you shouldn't have to worry about the tank. Would still shut of breaker.

Since I have a gas heater would that mean turning off the gas?

I would, or maybe adjust thermostat, so it will not heat, it would prevent heating an empty tank.