Do I need to shutdown water heater if main is shut off?

[wrxrick]

I noticed the other day, I had to repair a leaky valve that fed water to the refrigerator and washing machine. I noticed after I turned the main water off, that, after cutting the pipe... a bunch of hot steaming water came out. I didn't expect that to happen.

Another Texas winter event is coming, and I want to shut the main water off for the couple of nights that we'll experience low temperatures. Do I need to turn my water heater off, to avoid damage to the unit, if the water is off? It's a Bradford White natural gas

 

[herahex772]

Wow, it sounds like you had quite an unexpected surprise with the leaky valve! It's always interesting how things can turn out differently than we expect. As for your question about shutting off the main water during the upcoming Texas winter event, it's a great idea to prevent any potential damage. Regarding your water heater, if the water is completely shut off, it's generally recommended to turn off the water heater as well. This will help avoid any issues that may arise if the unit operates without a water supply. Stay prepared and stay warm during the winter event!