Turn off the shutoff valve to the gas line. Be sure to turn the valve one-quarter turn so that the handle is at a right angle to the pipe, as in this photo. Turn off the control valve. Remove the ...

When is the best time to buy a new water heater? Hint: It’s not when the one you have fails. But that’s what many homeowners end up doing. They notice a leak—or worse, they’re surprised by a flood—and ...