Step 2 · Check the Water Heater Shut-Off Valve

Locate your water heater. It's typically in a basement, garage, or utility closet. Identify the cold water inlet pipe, which is usually at the top of the tank and may be labeled or marked with a blue ring. Follow this pipe to find its shut-off valve. Ensure this valve is in the fully open position. For a lever-style ball valve, the handle should be parallel to the pipe. For a circular gate valve, it should be turned fully counter-clockwise until it stops.