[Petemystic]

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

[speedball1]

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?

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

[Petemystic]

Thanks, Tom.

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

Pete

[Stratmando]

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.

[Stratmando]

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

[Petemystic]

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

[Stratmando]

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