A WATER SHUTOFF QUESTION

Assuming an owner has left his apartment for a period of several months and has not had his water to the apartment turned off, and assuming the person has not shut off the breaker for the water heater in his electrical panel…....

If we as an association shut off the water to that apartment (at the meter or at another outside shutoff to the whole apartment), do we run a real risk of the water heater burning out? Is it likely, in other words, that over a period of several months enough water in the water heater would be lost through evaporation so one or more of the heating elements would burn out?

If so, it would seem incumbent upon us that we not only shut off the water, but also shut off the breaker. And since the breakers in many of our panels are incorrectly labeled (if labeled at all), it would seem we would have to carefully check the 220-240 volt breakers (try to run the stove, try to run the a/c) to be sure we were shutting off the right one.

Any advice on this?

Extra Water Valve Box

Photo actual install of extra water valves at Cambridge F. Mr. Amato is right they are in a plastic box, not above ground as shown in the November UCO Reporter, (hedge plants must be removed). Of course, you can make your own decisions on what measures are best for you, I am not convinced that duplicate valves are the magic cure for water damage.
Other recommendations from FBGGM:
- One of the best things I did on buying both my condo units was to have the under-sink and behind-toilet water valves checked and replaced where necessary. (It was covered by my extra plumbing coverage from ECM). These valves are often seized and corroded so they cannot be turned off in emergencies, I have also seen them break when main water pressure is turned on (you should crack a faucet on for water turnon so the pressure shock is not as great.)
Also:
- Replace water heater every 12 years.
- Check toilet tank flapper operation.
- Know how to use under sink turn offs.
- Turn off water and water heater when you go away.
- If you still have an old brittle plastic toilet tank it is probably time for new toilet.